Objective: To underscore the need to attain remission in the treatment of depression, taking into consideration the appropriate definitions of response and remission, as well as the impact of residual symptomatology.
Method: A review of research pertaining to successful response and remission of depression following antidepressant intervention, as identified by a comprehensive MEDLINE search.
Results: Complete remission is both critical and attainable with appropriate antidepressant therapy.
Conclusion: While adequate response to antidepressant medication is desired, the ultimate goal of therapy is remission, the achievement of an asymptomatic state characterized by complete functional recovery.