The developmental trajectory of depression and its relationship with quality of life during the conventional treatment process for patients with depression

Background The recurrent episodes of depression can reduce patients' quality of life, and the research on the correlation between depressive symptoms and quality of life during the conventional treatment phase has not yet formed systematic conclusions. Aims The present study examined the temporal effects of depression and quality of life during routine treatment in patients with depression, as well as the development trajectories and their relationship. Methods By conducting four follow-up surveys over a period of 12 weeks on 120 patients with depression, analysis was performed using cross-lagged models and latent growth curve models. Results (1) The level of depression in patients with depression during routine treatment significantly predicted subsequent quality of life. (2) Depression and quality of life exhibited linear decreasing and increasing trends, respectively, during routine treatment in patients with depression. (3) The initial level of depression in patients with depression was not related to the rate of subsequent depression reduction, while patients with lower initial levels of quality of life experienced faster increases in quality of life during routine treatment. (4) The initial level and reduction of depression could predict the initial level and growth of quality of life in patients with depression. Conclusions These results reveal the dynamic developmental relationship between depression and quality of life in patients with depression during routine treatment, which is of significant value for further understanding the stages of depression progression, improving diagnosis and treatment plans, and enhancing patient quality of life.