Chronic depression: a case series of 203 outpatients treated at a private practice.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of chronic depression among outpatients seen for depression.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Private practice.


METHODS
Two hundred and three outpatients with mood disorders, excluding patients with comorbid substance abuse disorders and severe personality disorders.


METHODS
Prevalence rate and patient variables (diagnosis, age at baseline, age at onset, sex, number of previous episodes of depression, atypical features, psychiatric comorbidity, psychosis, duration of illness and baseline severity).


RESULTS
The prevalence of chronic depression was 46.7%, which is higher than previously reported. The number of depressive episodes was higher, the presence of psychotic symptoms was more common and the duration of illness was longer in patients with chronic depression than in those with nonchronic depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic depression is more severe than nonchronic depression and is a prevalent illness in outpatients with depression seen in private practice.
Benazzi
F
F
Department of Psychiatry, Morgagni Public Hospital, Forlì, Italy. f.benazzi@fo.nettuno.it
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011331:Private Practice; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology