Changes in the quality of life of patients receiving antidepressant medication in primary care: validation of the WHOQOL-100.
BACKGROUND
The study arises from the need for good quality of life (QOL) assessment and a new comprehensive generic QOL profile for cross-cultural use.


OBJECTIVE
To examine changes in the QOL of patients receiving antidepressants from a general practitioner, and to assess the validity and sensitivity of a new QOL measure, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (100-item version) (WHOQOL-100).


METHODS
Patients with moderate depression (n = 106) completed the WHOQOL-100 and Beck Depression Inventory at the start of treatment and again after 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Depression decreased significantly over 2 months and 74% reported feeling better. WHOQOL-100 scores increased in 24 of the 25 facets, demonstrating that QOL improves significantly in the 8 weeks following the start of antidepressant treatment. It also shows the instrument's validity and sensitivity to changes in clinical condition.


CONCLUSIONS
The UK WHOQOL-100 is confirmed as excellent to good. Antidepressants significantly and comprehensively improve QOL.
WHO Centre for the Study of Quality of Life, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY. s.m.skevington@bath.ac.uk
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D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents