A 4-year naturalistic study at 12 centres in Germany has found that a treatment response among depressed in-patients is often evident within the first two weeks of therapy and these early benefits are generally sustained (Seemuller et al. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; epublished January 21, 2010; see also Henkel et al. J Affect Disord 2009; 115: 439-449).