Patients with stable SSRI use experienced the lowest risk of relapse or recurrence of depression compared to other prescription patterns such as early discontinuation, switching, or upward titration.
Observational (n=7,293)
Do different SSRI prescription patterns affect the risk of relapse or recurrence of depression in patients treated for depression?
Stable SSRI prescription patterns consistent with guidelines are associated with the lowest risk of depression relapse or recurrence.
BACKGROUND: Patients with depression are often not prescribed antidepressants for an adequate period of time. AIMS: The impact of antidepressant prescribing patterns on the risk of relapse or recurrence of depression is examined. METHOD: The MediPlus UK Primary Care Database was used to identify patients treated for depression with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Records were used to construct hierarchical prescription patterns (less than 120 days, switching/augmentation, upward titration, or stable use) as indicators for the occurrence of relapse or recurrence of depression. RESULTS: Patients with stable use experienced the lowest risk of relapse or recurrence. Factors significantly associated with increased risk include prior use of anxiolytic medications, more comorbid conditions and younger age. CONCLUSIONS: The SSRI prescription pattern most consistent with recommended depression treatment guidelines was associated with the lowest risk of relapse or recurrence.
Claxton et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Depression (n=7,293). Stable SSRI use vs. Other SSRI prescription patterns (less than 120 days, switching/augmentation, upward titration) was evaluated on Relapse or recurrence of depression during the 18-month follow-up period. Patients with stable SSRI use experienced the lowest risk of relapse or recurrence of depression compared to other prescription patterns such as early discontinuation, switching, or upward titration.