Predictors of major depression six months after admission for outpatient treatment

This study examined the rate and predictors of major depression six months after outpatient mental health admission.

Assessments were conducted at admission and three and six months later among 166 participants. Antidepressant treatment adequacy and depression outcomes were assessed at follow-ups.

Predictors of major depression at six months included nonremission status at three months (odds ratio [OR]=3.56, p=.003), inadequacy of early pharmacotherapy (OR=2.73, p=.009), worse physical functioning measured by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (OR=.975, p<.001), and being unmarried (OR=2.54, p=.031).

The findings support the effects of baseline physical disability, marital status, early treatment adequacy, and early remission on the course of major depression. The identification of individuals who do not receive intensive pharmacotherapy or who have not recovered by three months may provide opportunities for interventions to optimize six-month outcomes and to prevent the development of a persistent depression.