title: Partial remission in major depression: a two-phase, 12-month prospective study.
abstract: We conducted an interview-based survey to predict the clinical course of major depressive disorder during a follow-up period of 12 months. Altogether 86 patients were investigated. A SCID I interview for DSM-III-R axis-I diagnosis was conducted at baseline and a SCID II interview for personality disorders at the 6-month follow-up. Beck Depression Inventory scores indicated the level of depression and were compiled at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. A BDI score between 9 and 14 was considered to indicate partial remission, and score of 0-8 indicated remission. At the 6-month assessment 33% of the patients had remission, 20% were in partial remission, and 47% were in the depressive phase. Older age, personality disorder, and alexithymia were associated with poor response at 6 months. At 12 months 37% had remission, 28% were in partial remission, and 35% were still in the depressive phase. Treatment at the early stage should be effective enough to achieve remission. If the response is not satisfactory within 6 months, a renewed search should be conducted for factors hindering recovery. Comorbid personality disorder is the main factor predicting a poor short-term response in major depressive disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
authors.forename: Heimo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Viinamäki
authors.forename: Jukka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hintikka
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tanskanen
authors.forename: Kirsi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Honkalampi
authors.forename: Risto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Antikainen
authors.forename: Heli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koivumaa-Honkanen
authors.forename: Kaisa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haatainen
authors.forename: Pirjo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saarinen
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lehtonen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012074:Remission Induction; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents