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. 2014 Feb:155:35-41.
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.10.020. Epub 2013 Oct 19.

Dimensions in major depressive disorder and their relevance for treatment outcome

Elske Vrieze  1 , Koen Demyttenaere  2 , Ronny Bruffaerts  2 , Dirk Hermans  3 , Diego A Pizzagalli  4 , Pascal Sienaert  5 , Titia Hompes  2 , Peter de Boer  6 , Mark Schmidt  6 , Stephan Claes  2
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Dimensions in major depressive disorder and their relevance for treatment outcome

Elske Vrieze et al. J Affect Disord. 2014 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous disease. More homogeneous psycho(patho)logical dimensions would facilitate MDD research as well as clinical practice. The first aim of this study was to find potential dimensions within a broad psychopathological assessment in depressed patients. Second, we aimed at examining how these dimensions predicted course in MDD.

Methods: Ten psychopathological variables were assessed in 75 MDD inpatients. Factor and regression analyses assessed putative relations between psychopathological factors and depression severity and outcome after 8 weeks of treatment.

Results: A 3-factor model (eigenvalue: 54.4%) was found, representing a psychomotor change, anhedonia and negative affect factor. Anhedonia and negative affect predicted depression severity (R(2)=0.37, F=20.86, p<0.0001). Anhedonia predicted non-response (OR 6.00, CI 1.46-24.59) and both negative affect (OR 5.69, CI 1.19-27.20) and anhedonia predicted non-remission (OR 9.28, CI 1.85-46.51).

Limitations: The sample size of the study was relatively modest, limiting the number of variables included in the analysis.

Conclusions: Results confirm that psychomotor change, anhedonia and negative affect are key MDD dimensions, two of which are related to treatment outcome.

Keywords: Anhedonia; Factor analysis; Major depressive disorder; Outcome; Stress.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
3D scatter plot illustrating the uncorrelated relationship ((all ps>0.05)) between the three calculated factor dimensions: Psychomotor (factor 1), anhedonia (factor 2) and negative affect (factor 3).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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