According to Journal of the American Medical Association drugs for depression could not prove effective in most cases of depression. The findings however could not prove that anti-depressant pills were worthless.

Researchers stated that the findings could prove beneficial for the longstanding debate about antidepressants.

The latest study was based on data from trials held before on two types of drugs. The effectiveness was found varying according to the extent of depression being treated.

Dr Erick H. Turner, a psychiatrist at Oregon Health and Science University, said, “I think the study could dampen enthusiasm for antidepressant medications a bit, and that may be a good thing. People’s expectations for the drugs won’t be so high, and doctors won’t be surprised if they’re not curing every patient they see with medications.”

A study was conducted from six trials which were conducted on 718 depressed patients. They were either given an antidepressant or a placebo. Patient-specific data from scientists involved with each trial was gathered and analyzed.

Results showed that antidepressants were more helpful than a placebo in very severe depression, according to a recent survey people less than 30 per cent who actually seek treatment.