title: Psychosocial predictors of outcome in subjects with untreated depressive disorder.
abstract: Untreated community volunteers (n = 66) with a significant reactive or neurotic depressive disorder were assessed at interview to determine predictors of improvement at 6 and at 20 weeks. The degree to which subjects improved by 6 weeks could be predicted by their pattern of improvement one week after initial interview and more definitely at the third week. Key baseline predictors of improvement both at 6 and at 20 week were the break-up of an intimate relationship in the preceding 12 months and weight loss, replicating findings in a study of depressive patients receiving psychiatric assessment and psychotherapy. Other isolated variables appeared to be predictors more of response to the non-specific therapeutic effects of the assessment process.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Blignault
mesh_terms: D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support