title: Patient compliance in depression. Based on a presentation by James Jefferson, MD.
abstract: Results of a study of comorbidity reveal that Americans have a 10.3% 1-year risk and a 17.1% life-time risk of experiencing a major depressive disorder. Identification and treatment of depression are vital to the outcome of the illness, whose course is characterized by 5 phases: response, remission, relapse, recovery, and recurrence. Treatment must be seen as a 2-fold process involving continuation and maintenance of therapy to avoid relapses, which become more and more frequent after each depressive episode. Ensuring that patients comply with their medication regimens is a major challenge for physicians and requires patient understanding and cooperation.
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents