[Rank of outcome parameters in the treatment of depression : Results of a Delphi panel survey]

In the context of new drug benefit assessments a list of outcome parameter are evaluated. Currently it is unclear, how different outcome parameters are weighed in the overall assessment.

The objective of the survey is to rank relevant outcome parameters in the treatment of depression, which may be considered in benefit the assessment of new antidepressants.

In 2015 a Delphi panel survey with 30 general practitioners and specialists in Germany was performed regarding the benefit assessment of antidepressants. On the basis of two fictive casuistics (patients with depressive disorders) the physicians weighed a range of relevant outcome parameters regarding efficacy, quality of life, safety and tolerability according to their relevance to clinical practice.

Regarding efficacy, response, remission and recovery were rated as the most important outcomes. Regarding quality of life, handling of the daily household activities and mental performance were rated as most important. Suicidality was rated as the most important outcome regarding safety and tolerability.

Individual outcome parameters were rated differently by the physicians regarding their relevance to clinical practice. The results indicate that outcome parameters should be weighed differently when assessing the overall benefit of new antidepressants.