Six-month compliance with antidepressant medication in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
The investigation of compliance in patients with major depressive disorder (in drop-outs versus completers and in first episode versus recurrent episode patients). A total of 85 outpatients with major depressive disorder were followed for 6 months. Different dimensions of compliance were investigated: drop-outs versus completers and their medication adherence (with electronic monitoring). General linear mixed models were applied to examine the time courses of adherence. Drop-out rates were higher in younger patients and in patients with a lower initial depression severity. The adherence during 6 months of treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was above 80 in 70% of the patients. The adherence decreased by 2.5% per month and decreased more than three times more rapidly in drop-outs (from baseline to time of drop-out). A medical visit resulted in a temporary increase in pill intake. General linear mixed model analysis showed that the predicted outcome was worse in drop-outs than in completers and worse in recurrent episode patients than in first episode patients (the former showing a higher adherence). Adherence decreases with time during 6 months of treatment with antidepressants and is influenced by demographic and clinical variables. Completers show a higher adherence than drop-outs. The outcome was worse in recurrent episode patients than first episode patients although they had a higher adherence.
Demyttenaere
Koen
K
University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Belgium. koen.demyttenaere@med.kuleuven.be
Adelin
Albert
A
Patrick
Mesters
M
Walthère
Dewé
D
Katrien
De Bruyckere
de B
Michèle
Sangeleer
S
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012008:Recurrence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents