Quality of life: concepts, needs, psychometric measurement, factors associated and treatment responsiveness in depression disorder

Quality of life (QOL) is a multifaceted concept that warrants attention, especially in depression disorder. This review aimed to summarize the empirical evidence regarding concepts, needs, psychometric measurement, factors associated, and treatment responsiveness in depression disorder. The narrative review was conducted based on studies published in English databases from the last three decades to 2022 on the evidence from extensive electronic databases using PubMed, SCOPUS, PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The significant findings from books, journals and grey literature were also included. Based on relevant and significant facts the concepts were developed and evidence-based narrations were made under each concept to understand QOL in depression disorder. This review found a significant association between poorer QOL with the severity of depression and, its association with age of respondents, the intensity of the depressive symptoms, lower education, subjective perception of health, lower socio-economical status, and social support. The review signifies the needs and psychometric instruments of QOL in patients with depressive disorder. The review revealed that psychoeducation, multimodal and community-based lifestyle intervention, self-awareness and body-mind-spirit interventions, CBT, group therapy and mental health promotion intervention improved the QOL in depression disorder. The study concluded that QOL is a patient-centric approach, and should be involved as the standard measure of evaluating care outcomes, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness through the incorporation of the various treatment approaches in clinical practice. Despite being an essential component QOL is received relatively little attention in depression disorder by clinicians and mental health professionals.