Life stress and the long-term treatment course of recurrent depression: III. Nonsevere life events predict recurrence for medicated patients over 3 years.
Research has consistently documented the significance of severe life events for onset of major depression. Theory, however, suggests other forms of stress are relevant for depression's recurrence. Nonsevere life events were tested in relation to depression for 126 patients with recurrent depression in a 3-year randomized maintenance protocol. Life stress was assessed every 12 weeks and rated along dimensions of severity, focus, and independence. A significant interaction between specific types of nonsevere life events and medication was found. For medicated patients, subject-focused independent nonsevere life events predicted recurrence; for unmedicated patients, these events predicted fewer recurrences. Other nonsevere life events did not predict recurrence. The findings underscore the potential importance of specific stressors for triggering recurrences of depression.
Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA. smonroe1@nd.edu
Scott M
SM
Monroe
Leandro D
LD
Torres
Julien
J
Guillaumot
Kate L
KL
Harkness
John E
JE
Roberts
Ellen
E
Frank
David
D
Kupfer
D000328:Adult; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D007099:Imipramine