Meta-analysis of effectiveness of drug treatments on rate of depression symptoms in Iran in 2001-2010

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses. In order to treating this disease and preventing from coming again، it`s essential that we acquire information about treatment methods and effectiveness rate of these treatment. In this regard، meta-analysis integrates the results of different studies، and then determined the effect size of drug treatments. This study wants to study the effective rate of drug treatments on reducing depression symptoms، with following of meta-analysis model. So 23 studies which were methodologically accepted were selected and meta-analysis was done on it. The research tool was meta-analysis check list. Study findings show the rate of effect size of drug treatments on reducing depression symptoms was d=0/62 (P<0/001). This rate of effective size according to Cohen table was higher than average. Therefore it seems that drug treatments can be applied as the proper treatments for individuals suffering from depression symptoms.