Is remission of depressive symptoms in primary care a realistic goal? A meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A primary goal of acute treatment for depression is clinical remission of symptoms. Most meta-analyses of remission rates involve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using patients from psychiatric settings, but most depressed patients are treated in primary care. The goal of this study was to determine remission rates obtained in RCTs of treatment interventions for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) conducted in primary care settings.

Methods

Potentially relevant studies were identified using computerized and manual search strategies up to May 2003. Criteria for inclusion included published RCTs with a clear definition of remission using established outcome measures.

Results

A total of 13 studies (N = 3202 patients) meeting inclusion criteria were identified.

SUBMITTER: Dawson MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC518964 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature