Predictors of major depression six months after admission for outpatient treatment.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the rate and predictors of major depression six months after outpatient mental health admission.


METHODS
Assessments were conducted at admission and three and six months later among 166 participants. Antidepressant treatment adequacy and depression outcomes were assessed at follow-ups.


RESULTS
Predictors of major depression at six months included nonremission status at three months (odds ratio [OR]=3.56, p=.003), inadequacy of early pharmacotherapy (OR=2.73, p=.009), worse physical functioning measured by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (OR=.975, p<.001), and being unmarried (OR=2.54, p=.031).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings support the effects of baseline physical disability, marital status, early treatment adequacy, and early remission on the course of major depression. The identification of individuals who do not receive intensive pharmacotherapy or who have not recovered by three months may provide opportunities for interventions to optimize six-month outcomes and to prevent the development of a persistent depression.
Weinberger
Mark I
MI
Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, White Plains, NY 10605, USA. miw2011@med.cornell.edu
Sirey
Jo Anne
JA
Bruce
Martha L
ML
Heo
Moonseong
M
Papademetriou
Eros
E
Meyers
Barnett S
BS
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D004358:Drug Therapy; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents