Predictors of response to sertraline in patients with major depression

Investigation of the characteristics of patients being treated with antidepressants would be useful in determining which patients would most likely benefit from antidepressant. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible predictors of response to sertraline in major depression.

A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out among major depression patients. Eighty two patients were identified who were receiving sertraline to treat major depression.

The cumulative percentage of responders was over 80% after 6 weeks, and the cumulative percentage of responders was over 80% in patients receiving a 75 mg daily dose. Clinical factors, including age, gender, frequency of episodes, and family history were examined as possible predictors of response to sertraline. On Cox proportional hazards analysis, age, and gender were independent predictive factors of improvement with sertraline. The most influential factor was age (e(coef) = 1.894), followed by gender (e(coef) = 0.542); age over 40 years (chi(2) = 5.598, df = 1, p = 0.018) and female gender (chi(2) = 7.370, df = 1, p = 0.0066) were significantly associated with improvement.

A 6-week treatment period, a 75 mg daily dose, age over 40 years, and female gender appear to be predictors of response to sertraline in major depression. These factors should guide clinicians in determining the choice of antidepressant.