Long-term outcome of depressive disorders in primary health care
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study is the first naturalistic prospective long-term follow-up with a life-chart among primary care patients with depressive disorders. Patients with lifetime MDD spent 34% of follow-up time in MDEs, 24% in partial and only 42% in full remission. Nine in ten achieved at least partial and two-thirds full remission. Baseline severity of depression and substance use comorbidity predicted time spent in MDEs: a rise in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) score of ten at baseline predicted 14 months and comorbid substance use disorder 25 months more time in MDEs. One-half of those who achieved partial remission and one-third of those who reached full remission were having at least one recurrence. The recurrences were predicted by personality disorders. The time from remission to recurrence was predicted by generalized anxiety disorder and somatoform disorder. One-tenth of patients attempted suicide one to three times. The incidence rate varied robustly depending on the level of depression, being 0 per 1000 patient-years during full remission, 5.8 during partial remission and 107 during MDEs. Functional and work ability were strongly associated with duration and severity of depression. Patients who belonged to the labour force spent one-third of the follow-up off work due to depression; two-thirds were granted sick leave, and one-tenth a disability pension due to depression. Longer duration of depression, comorbid disorders and having received social assistance predicted dropping out from work. A quarter of patients suffered from concurrent borderline personality disorder (BPD). Comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders were common among them. Concurrent BPD increased the severity and duration of depression, suicidal behaviour, unemployment and economic difficulties. This study revealed often slow and incomplete recovery and a common recurrent course, which needs to be taken into account when developing services. The use of measurement scales is warranted when planning and monitoring treatment. Comorbidity, concurrent substance use disorder, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorder and BPD all need to be taken into account in clinical practice guidelines. Duration of depression appears most decisive for suicide attempts among primary care patients with depression. Efforts should focus on the continuity of care.
Source: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Author: Riihimäki, Kirsi
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1521640584