Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Depressive Disorder 2025:Comparisons with Other Treatment Guidelines
- Author:
Won-Seok CHOI
1
;
Young Sup WOO
;
Won-Myong BAHK
;
Nak-Young KIM
;
Jeong Seok SEO
;
Sheng-Min WANG
;
Won KIM
;
Sung-Yong PARK
;
Jung Goo LEE
;
Chan-Mo YANG
;
Hyung Mo SUNG
;
Young-Eun JUNG
;
Moon-Doo KIM
;
Jong-Hyun JEONG
;
Bo-Hyun YOON
;
Kyung Joon MIN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):2-14
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: The sixth edition of the Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Depressive Disorder (KMAP-DD) was published in 2025. This review compared KMAP-DD 2025 with four major international clinical practice guidelines: Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Major Depressive Disorders, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Depression Guideline, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mood Disorders, and British Association for Psychopharmacology Guideline. While KMAP-DD is based on expert consensus, and others on evidence-based methods, overall treatment strategies for depressive episodes were fairly consistent. Especially, KMAP-DD 2025 offers more structured recommendations in areas lacking strong evidence, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perinatal depression, and depression with medical comorbidities. KMAP-DD 2025 also reflected Korean clinical practice patterns emphasizing rapid symptom relief and early use of combination strategies. Despite limitations as a consensus-based guideline, KMAP-DD 2025 complements evidence-based approaches and provides practical, situation-specific guidance for real-world clinical decision-making in Korea.
