MAOI treatment response: multiaxial assessment.
While studying the effectiveness of the MAOI isocarboxazid for the treatment of depression, we noted that many patients experienced a reduction of symptoms without equivalent improvement in other areas of their lives. We evaluated four outcome areas: symptoms, work, family functioning and social functioning. After 6 weeks on medication, symptoms improved the most, significantly more so than the other three areas. For the group of patients who completed 24 weeks on medication, all four outcome areas were further improved compared to the 6-week levels, with the improvement in work functioning reaching statistical significance. We conclude that the assessment of treatment outcome is more complex than the simple measurement of symptom reduction, and that different outcome areas are likely to improve at different rates and to different extents.
Giller
E
E
Psychiatry Service, West Haven VA Medical Center, CT 06516.
Bialos
D
D
Riddle
M A
MA
Waldo
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007520:Isocarboxazid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012917:Social Adjustment
D007520:Isocarboxazid