Subthreshold depression as a risk indicator for major depressive disorder: a systematic review of prospective studies
Key result
Subthreshold depression was associated with a consistently larger chance of developing major depressive disorder compared to subjects without subthreshold depression.
Why the study?
Does subthreshold depression increase the risk of developing major depressive disorder?
Population
Subjects from community samples, general medical patients, and high-risk subjects (20 studies, 23 comparisons)
Comparison
Subthreshold depression (sD) (exposure) vs Subjects without subthreshold depression
Design
Systematic_review
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Subthreshold depression signals elevated MDD risk warranting monitoring; confirms prognostic value but leaves open standardized definitions.
Study Design
Type
Systematic Review
Structured PICO
Does subthreshold depression increase the risk of developing major depressive disorder?
P
Population
Subjects from community samples, general medical patients, and high-risk subjects (20 studies, 23 comparisons)
I
Intervention
Subthreshold depression (sD) (exposure)
C
Comparator
Subjects without subthreshold depression
O
Outcome
Incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD)
Subthreshold depression is a significant risk indicator for the development of major depressive disorder, highlighting the need for consensus on its definition in future research.
Limitations
- Studies differed considerably in the definition of subthreshold depression, the recency of the last episode, and the inclusion/exclusion of lifetime MDD
- The concept of subthreshold depression is too broad to be used without consensus on its definition
- Studies differed considerably in the definition of subthreshold depression
- Differences in the recency of the last subthreshold depression occurrence
- Differences in the inclusion/exclusion of lifetime major depressive disorder
Cite This Study
Cuijpers et al. (2004) conducted a systematic review in Subthreshold depression. Subthreshold depression vs. No subthreshold depression was evaluated on Incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD). Subthreshold depression was associated with a consistently larger chance of developing major depressive disorder compared to subjects without subthreshold depression.