Predictors of Remission in Acute and Continuation Treatment of Depressive Disorders

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors predicting remission of depression during acute (12 weeks) and continuation treatment (12 months) using a 1-year, naturalistic prospective study design. METHODS: Patients with depressive disorders were recruited from Chonnam National University Hospital in South Korea from March 2012 to April 2017. At baseline, 1,262 patients received outpatient therapy, and sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained. Clinical visits took place every 3 weeks during the acute treatment phase (at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks; n = 1,246), and every 3 months during the continuation treatment phase (at 6, 9, and 12 months; n = 1,015). Remission was defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ≤ 7. RESULTS: The remission rate was 43.3% at 12 weeks and 70.4% at 12 months. In multivariate analyses, remission during the acute treatment phase was more likely in patients with a shorter-duration present episode, higher functioning, and good social support. Remission during the continuation treatment phase was more likely in patients with fewer previous depressive episodes and/or a lower baseline stress score. CONCLUSION: Factors predicting depressive disorder remission may differ between the acute and continuation treatment phases.