NEO-FFI factor scores as predictors of clinical response to fluoxetine in depressed outpatients.
Research in unipolar depression suggests that neuroticism is associated with poor long-term outcome and greater chronicity. The objective of this study was to determine whether baseline neuroticism scores predict response to treatment with fluoxetine in depressed outpatients. Seventy-six depressed outpatients participating in a clinical trial of fluoxetine (fixed/flexible dosing) completed the NEO-FFI (five factor inventory short form) at baseline. Clinical response was defined as a 50% or greater decrease in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17) total score (final visit--baseline). Logistic regression evaluated NEO-FFI factor scores as predictors of treatment outcome within an intent-to-treat model. Scores on the neuroticism scale were not found to significantly predict treatment response as measured by the HAM-D-17. Strengths of this study include a standardized treatment protocol and use of structured interview instruments, while limitations include a modest sample size, lack of continuation data, state/trait effects, and lack of generalizability to other antidepressant treatments.
Petersen
Timothy
T
Depression Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, WAC 812, MA, Boston 02114, USA. tpetersen@partners.org
Papakostas
George I
GI
Bottonari
Kathryn
K
Iacoviello
Brian
B
Alpert
Jonathan E
JE
Fava
Maurizio
M
Nierenberg
Andrew A
AA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D005473:Fluoxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors