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BMC Primary Care

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Open Access 01-12-2004 | Research article

Is remission of depressive symptoms in primary care a realistic goal? A meta-analysis

Authors: Marliese Y Dawson, Erin E Michalak, Paul Waraich, J Ellen Anderson, Raymond W Lam

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2004

Abstract

Background

A primary goal of acute treatment for depression is clinical remission of symptoms. Most meta-analyses of remission rates involve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using patients from psychiatric settings, but most depressed patients are treated in primary care. The goal of this study was to determine remission rates obtained in RCTs of treatment interventions for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) conducted in primary care settings.

Methods

Potentially relevant studies were identified using computerized and manual search strategies up to May 2003. Criteria for inclusion included published RCTs with a clear definition of remission using established outcome measures.

Results

A total of 13 studies (N = 3202 patients) meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Overall remission rates for active interventions ranged between 50% and 67%, compared to 32% for pill placebo conditions and 35% for usual care conditions.

Conclusions

Remission rates in primary care studies of depression are at least as high as for those in psychiatric settings. It is a realistic goal for family physicians to target remission of symptoms as an optimal outcome for treatment of depression.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/5/19/prepub

Title: Is remission of depressive symptoms in primary care a realistic goal? A meta-analysis
Authors: Marliese Y Dawson
Erin E Michalak
Paul Waraich
J Ellen Anderson
Raymond W Lam
Publication date: 01-12-2004
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2004
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-5-19

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Is remission of depressive symptoms in primary care a realistic goal? A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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