Key result
Atypical depression (n=338) was associated with significantly lower self-reported effectiveness ratings for some SSRIs compared to non-atypical depression (n=377).
Why the study?
Does self-reported treatment effectiveness differ between depressed subjects with and without atypical features?
Cross-Sectional (n=715)
Does self-reported treatment effectiveness differ between depressed subjects with and without atypical features?
Patients with atypical depression perceive similar benefits from most non-MAOI drug and psychological treatments compared to those with non-atypical depression, though some SSRIs are rated as less effective.
Self-reported SSRI differences by atypical features should not change practice; cross-sectional data leave open need for prospective confirmation.
OBJECTIVE: Earlier studies demonstrated that those with atypical depression show a differentially superior response to monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. This study compares ratings of effectiveness for a range of treatments, amongst depressed subjects with and without atypical features. METHOD: In an on-line survey, individuals experiencing likely clinical depression rated symptoms experienced when depressed, including 'atypical features' and the effectiveness of previous treatments. Mean treatment effectiveness ratings were compared amongst those with 'atypical depression' (n = 338) and 'non-atypical depression' (n = 377). RESULTS: There were few significant differences between the 'atypical depression' and 'non-atypical depression' groups in effectiveness ratings for drug treatments, and none for psychological treatments. The 'atypical depression' group had significantly lower mean effectiveness ratings for some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. Few respondents had trialed MAOIs. CONCLUSION: While MAOIs are rarely prescribed, a range of non-MAOI drug and psychological treatments are of some perceived benefit for depressed patients with atypical features.
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Parker et al. (2009) conducted a cross-sectional in Clinical depression (n=715). Atypical depression vs. Non-atypical depression was evaluated on Self-reported treatment effectiveness ratings. Atypical depression (n=338) was associated with significantly lower self-reported effectiveness ratings for some SSRIs compared to non-atypical depression (n=377).
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