Physiological effects of acute antidepressant treatment in psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background
Antidepressants are effective medications for common mental health conditions such as depression. However, antidepressants often cause side-effects, for example causing weight gain and changes in blood pressure. There are over 30 different antidepressants available, and we know that some groups of antidepressants vary in terms of the physical side-effects they can cause. However, at the moment it is not clear which specific antidepressants are better or worse for different physical side-effects.

Necessity of the research
It will be helpful for us to know which antidepressants are better/worse at causing physical health side effects, as this will help doctors and patients choose the medication that suits them best.

How the research will be conducted
We will conduct a research study called a 'network meta-analysis'. Network meta-analysis combines the results of multiple other studies, that have each looked at the effects of different antidepressants. The result of network meta-analysis is a 'league table' that ranks antidepressants from best to worst for risk of different side-effects.