Outcome of anxiety and depressive disorders in primary care

Factors related to the outcome of depression and anxiety in primary care are not fully understood.

Adult patients in general practice with depressive, anxiety or panic disorder (n = 148; DSM-III-R criteria) were studied prospectively for six months to determine the factors most closely associated with outcome. The Psychiatric Assessment Schedule, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Clinical Anxiety Scale and Life Events and Difficulties Schedule interviews were performed at index consultations and repeated six months later. Variables associated with outcome were assessed by multiple regression analysis.

Good outcome was predicted by mild depression at initial assessment, high educational level, and being in employment. At follow-up the most important predictor of improvement was reduction in marked difficulties over the six months. Recognition and management by the GP was most frequent in patients with severe disorder; such patients were least likely to improve because of the severity of their depression and marked social difficulties.

This naturalistic study helps to provide a framework for further studies with more precisely defined groups of people with depression. An effective treatment strategy for people with marked depression and ongoing social difficulties is especially needed.