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How should remission from depression be defined? The depressed patient's perspective
Mark Zimmerman1, Joseph B McGlinchey, Michael A Posternak
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA. mzimmerman@lifespan.org
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|January 5, 2006
Summary
Patients recovering from depression value positive mental health, returning to their usual selves, and restored functioning. Absence of symptoms was also important for defining remission from depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Remission is the primary goal in depression treatment, but its definition is debated.
- Antidepressant trials define remission by symptom severity scores, often overlooking functional recovery.
- Patient perspectives on remission criteria are crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient-defined criteria for remission from major depressive episode.
- To understand what aspects of recovery are most valued by individuals undergoing depression treatment.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 535 psychiatric outpatients with major depressive episode.
- Patients rated the importance of 16 statements for defining depression remission.
Main Results:
- Top remission indicators included positive mental health (optimism, self-confidence), feeling like one's usual self, and return to normal functioning.
- Absence of depressive symptoms was also frequently endorsed as a key remission criterion.
Conclusions:
- Depression treatment should encompass a broader range of patient-aspired outcomes beyond symptom reduction.
- Patient-centered definitions of remission are essential for holistic recovery in depression treatment.