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Major depressive disorder and axis I diagnostic comorbidity
Mark Zimmerman1, Iwona Chelminski, Wilson McDermut
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02905, USA. mzimmerman@lifespan.org
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|April 3, 2002
Summary
Most patients with nonbipolar major depressive disorder (MDD) have comorbid conditions, particularly anxiety disorders. Treatment planning must consider these co-occurring conditions for effective depression management.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Comorbid conditions significantly impact treatment planning for depression.
- Understanding comorbidity in major depressive disorder (MDD) is crucial for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of diagnostic comorbidity in psychiatric outpatients treated for nonbipolar MDD.
- To assess patients' desire for treatment of comorbid disorders.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 479 psychiatric outpatients diagnosed with DSM-IV nonbipolar MDD.
- Utilized a modified Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV for comprehensive assessment.
Main Results:
- 64.1% of patients had at least one current Axis I comorbid disorder (excluding nicotine dependence).
- Anxiety disorders were the most frequent (56.8%), with social phobia being the most common individual disorder.
- Including nicotine dependence increased comorbidity rates, highlighting its significance.
Conclusions:
- The majority of nonbipolar depressed patients present with current comorbid disorders, predominantly anxiety disorders.
- The prevalence of comorbidity is influenced by the assessment's scope.
- Comorbidity rates vary, impacting treatment considerations.