The 7-year course of depression and anxiety in the general population

Abstract

Objective: Insight into the long-term course of depression and anxiety.

Method: Data were derived from Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study/Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, epidemiologic surveys in the adult population in the Netherlands. Three hundred and three respondents with depressive and/or anxiety Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) disorder were interviewed, examining the 7-year course of depression (n = 141), anxiety (n = 102) and the comorbid state (n = 60) and possible prognostic factors. Outcomes were CIDI diagnostic status after 7 years and percentage of time during 7 years with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms, retrospectively assessed by the Life Chart Interview (LCI).

Results: After 7 years, 60.7% of the subjects were free from a 12-month CIDI depression or anxiety diagnosis. The odds were higher for subjects with anxiety and comorbidity compared to subjects with depression. Low physical functioning and high neuroticism predicted the presence of a diagnosis after 7 years. During 7-year follow-up, 37.3% of the subjects were free from depressive and anxiety symptoms according to the LCI, 51.8% had symptoms <50% of the time, and 10.9%≥50% of the time. (Comorbid) anxiety resulted in a poorer course. High neuroticism and childhood adversity predicted more follow-up time with symptoms.

Conclusion: Course trajectories were more favorable than expected, although comorbidity resulted in poorer course. Neuroticism, physical functioning, and childhood adversity predicted an unfavorable course.