A national survey of residual symptoms in Chinese depressive patients after acute phase treatment

Objective To assess the type and prevalence of residual symptoms in Chinese depressive patients after acute phase treatment and the impact on the quality of life and social function. Method It was a nationwide, multi-center survey. A total of 11 sites participated and 1 503 outpatients with major depressive disorder who subjectively self-reported a least 50% improvement after 8-12 weeks of antidepressants treatment were included in this study. Brief 16-Item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR16), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) were used to assess the symptoms and function. Results Altogether 48.8% (733/1 503) of patients who self-reported an improvement after acute-phase treatment still presented with residual symptoms (QIDS-SR16>5). The most common residual symptoms (QIDS-SR16≥1) were poor concentration/decision making (82.4%, 604/733), low energy (79.7%, 584/733), loss of interest (75.2%, 551/733), sad mood (72.4%, 531/733) and mid-nocturnal insomnia (72.3%, 530/733). The patients with severe residual symptoms had higher PHQ-15 total score (t=-10.55, P<0.01), lower Q-LES-Q-SF score (t=10.20, P=0.010) and higher SDS score (t=-13.22, P<0.01). Conclusion The great majority of patients who self-report an improvement after acute phase antidepressant treatment may still have residual symptoms. The severity of residual symptoms is associated with significant function impairment and poor life satisfaction. Key words: Depressive disorder; Response; Residual symptoms.