K A Yonkers1, I R Dyck, M Warshaw, M B Keller. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA. Kim.Charlie@worldnet.att.net
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional data show that generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition with episodes lasting much longer than the six-month minimum required by DSM-III-R and DSM-IV. Although GAD is chronic, little is known about factors influencing illness duration. AIMS: To investigate variables that influence the clinical course of GAD. METHOD: A total of 167 patients with GAD participated in the Harvard-Brown Anxiety Research Program. Patients were assessed at intake and re-examined at six- to twelve-month intervals for five years. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to assess the likelihood of remission. Regression analysis was used to investigate factors predicting full or partial remission. RESULTS: The rate of remission was 0.38 after five years. Diminished likelihood of remission was associated with low overall life satisfaction, poor spousal or family relationships, a concurrent cluster B or C personality disorder and a low global assessment score. CONCLUSIONS: Full or partial remissions were less likely to occur in patients with poor relationships and personality disorders. These patients should be given more intensive and possibly multi-modal therapy.
BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional data show that generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition with episodes lasting much longer than the six-month minimum required by DSM-III-R and DSM-IV. Although GAD is chronic, little is known about factors influencing illness duration. AIMS: To investigate variables that influence the clinical course of GAD. METHOD: A total of 167 patients with GAD participated in the Harvard-Brown Anxiety Research Program. Patients were assessed at intake and re-examined at six- to twelve-month intervals for five years. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to assess the likelihood of remission. Regression analysis was used to investigate factors predicting full or partial remission. RESULTS: The rate of remission was 0.38 after five years. Diminished likelihood of remission was associated with low overall life satisfaction, poor spousal or family relationships, a concurrent cluster B or C personality disorder and a low global assessment score. CONCLUSIONS: Full or partial remissions were less likely to occur in patients with poor relationships and personality disorders. These patients should be given more intensive and possibly multi-modal therapy.
Authors: Atsuo Nakagawa; Michael F Grunebaum; Gregory M Sullivan; Dianne Currier; Steven P Ellis; Ainsley K Burke; David A Brent; J John Mann; Maria A Oquendo Journal: Bipolar Disord Date: 2008-06 Impact factor: 6.744
Authors: S Lee; A Tsang; A M Ruscio; J M Haro; D J Stein; J Alonso; M C Angermeyer; E J Bromet; K Demyttenaere; G de Girolamo; R de Graaf; O Gureje; N Iwata; E G Karam; J-P Lepine; D Levinson; M E Medina-Mora; M A Oakley Browne; J Posada-Villa; R C Kessler Journal: Psychol Med Date: 2008-12-18 Impact factor: 7.723