Patient compliance in depression. Based on a presentation by James Jefferson, MD

Results of a study of comorbidity reveal that Americans have a 10.3% 1-year risk and a 17.1% life-time risk of experiencing a major depressive disorder. Identification and treatment of depression are vital to the outcome of the illness, whose course is characterized by 5 phases: response, remission, relapse, recovery, and recurrence. Treatment must be seen as a 2-fold process involving continuation and maintenance of therapy to avoid relapses, which become more and more frequent after each depressive episode. Ensuring that patients comply with their medication regimens is a major challenge for physicians and requires patient understanding and cooperation.