Majority of patients recover from depression eventually

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Two thirds of those with major depression can expect improvement with carefully monitored treatment.
Depression can be a difficult condition to overcome, even though there are effective treatments available. In the largest study to date on treatment for major depression, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center reveal that persistence may be needed to get rid of the symptoms of depression. They looked at the impact of receiving one to four treatment steps. The first step involved all the 3,671 patients receiving the same antidepressant treatment.

Those who did not go into remission or could not tolerate the medication then went onto the next stages which involved other antidepressants, cognitive therapy or both. Once a patient achieved remission or significant improvement they were followed up closely for 12 months. Remission rates at the first and second treatment stages were 37 per cent and 31 per cent respectively. Then, at the third and fourth steps, remission rates were 14 per cent and 13 per cent. Those who improved in fewer steps had lower relapse rates during the next 12 months compared to those who required more steps to improve. In all, the researchers say that 67 per cent of patients will achieve total remission by following the treatment program through as many steps as are necessary. The findings show that persistence on the part of the patient and the doctor can achieve good results in the treatment of depression.

Source
American Journal of Psychiatry November 2006

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.