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.
Skevington
S M
SM
WHO Centre for the Study of Quality of Life, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY. s.m.skevington@bath.ac.uk
Wright
A
A
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