Can we predict the persistence of depression?
Fifty-five patients with primary major depression were followed up prospectively from time of onset of the index illness episode until recovery. The course of depression in hospital-treated patients was protracted, with a median length of episode of one year. Two factors significantly predicted persistence of symptoms: interval between onset and receipt of treatment, and premorbid neuroticism, which accounted for 55% of the variance in length of episode.
Scott
J
J
University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Eccleston
D
D
Boys
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011613:Psychotherapy
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic