Laura Thomas1, David Kessler1, John Campbell2, Jill Morrison3, Tim J Peters4, Chris Williams3, Glyn Lewis5, Nicola Wiles6. 1. School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. 2. University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK. 3. Institute of Health and Wellbeing, General Practice and Primary Care Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. 4. School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. 5. Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College London, London, UK. 6. Reader in epidemiology, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Antidepressants are often the first-line treatment for depression in primary care. However, not all patients respond to medication after an adequate dose and duration of treatment. Currently, there are no estimates of the prevalence of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) from UK primary care. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of TRD in UK primary care. Design and setting Data were collected as part of a multicentre randomised controlled trial, from 73 general practices in UK primary care. METHOD: Potential participants (aged 18-75 years who had received repeated prescriptions for antidepressants) were identified from general practice records. Those who agreed to be contacted were mailed a questionnaire that included questions on depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II]), and adherence to antidepressants. Those who scored ≥14 on the BDI-II and had taken antidepressants for at least 6 weeks at an adequate dose were defined as treatment resistant. RESULTS: A total of 2439 patients completed the questionnaire (84% of those who agreed to be contacted), of whom 2129 had been prescribed an adequate dose of antidepressants for at least 6 weeks. Seventy-seven per cent (95% CI = 75% to 79%) had a BDI score of ≥14. Fifty-five per cent (95% CI = 53% to 58%) (n = 1177) met the study's definition of TRD, of whom 67% had taken their antidepressants for more than 12 months. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of TRD is an important challenge facing clinicians in UK primary care. A more proactive approach to managing this patient population is required to improve outcome.
BACKGROUND: Antidepressants are often the first-line treatment for depression in primary care. However, not all patients respond to medication after an adequate dose and duration of treatment. Currently, there are no estimates of the prevalence of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) from UK primary care. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of TRD in UK primary care. Design and setting Data were collected as part of a multicentre randomised controlled trial, from 73 general practices in UK primary care. METHOD: Potential participants (aged 18-75 years who had received repeated prescriptions for antidepressants) were identified from general practice records. Those who agreed to be contacted were mailed a questionnaire that included questions on depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II]), and adherence to antidepressants. Those who scored ≥14 on the BDI-II and had taken antidepressants for at least 6 weeks at an adequate dose were defined as treatment resistant. RESULTS: A total of 2439 patients completed the questionnaire (84% of those who agreed to be contacted), of whom 2129 had been prescribed an adequate dose of antidepressants for at least 6 weeks. Seventy-seven per cent (95% CI = 75% to 79%) had a BDI score of ≥14. Fifty-five per cent (95% CI = 53% to 58%) (n = 1177) met the study's definition of TRD, of whom 67% had taken their antidepressants for more than 12 months. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of TRD is an important challenge facing clinicians in UK primary care. A more proactive approach to managing this patient population is required to improve outcome.
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