Psychosocial factors and the long-term course of major depression

Author(s): Ryan, C. E., Miller, I. W., Zlotnick, C.

Journal/Book: J Affective Disord. 1997; 44: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science BV. 57-67.

Abstract: Fifty-nine subjects participated in a telephone follow-up interview 6 years after bring hospitalized with a severe major depressive episode and 5 years after completing a 12 month follow-up study. Patient information was used to provide a rating of symptom-free (n = 19), episodic (n = 30), or chronic (n = 10) that described each patient's long-term course of illness. Few variables from the acute stage were related to long-term course of illness; however, early patterns of global and family functioning, number of life events, and rapid reduction in depressive symptomatology were found to be of prognostic significance. For patients whose depression is severe enough to warrant hospitalization, the pattern of functioning in the first few months after discharge from hospital is a strong indicator of the future long-term course.

Note: Article Keitner GI, Rhode Isl Hosp, Mood Disorders Program, Potter 3, 593 Eddy St, Providence,RI 02903 USA

Keyword(s): major depression; long-term course; family functioning; FAMILY ASSESSMENT DEVICE; FOLLOW-UP; SECONDARY DEPRESSION; ILLNESS; RECOVERY; RELIABILITY; PREDICTORS; RECURRENCE; PROGNOSIS; VALIDITY

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