Real-World Treatment Experiences and Expectations by Symptom Severity in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by depressed mood and diminished quality of life. Patient characteristics as well as patients’ experience of and response to treatment vary with baseline symptom severity.
Methods: A survey, developed with input from mental health experts and patients through the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), evaluated treatment expectations and experiences among individuals with MDD. Conducted from December 2021-January 2022, the survey included US adults self-reporting MDD. Depression severity was assessed using the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, examining associations between severity and treatment experiences.
Results: Among 385 respondents, current treatments included SSRIs (39%), SNRIs (27%), buproprion (22%), and antipsychotics (22%). Varying levels of depression severity were observed: none/mild (n=56; 14.5%), moderate (n=139; 36.1%), severe/very severe (n=190; 49.4%). Those with severe/very severe depression were typically younger, had higher rates of ADHD and PTSD, received 4+ lines of therapy, and had shorter MDD/treatment durations. Respondents reporting none/mild side effects generally reported higher satisfaction, confidence in treatment efficacy, and functional ability, alongside fewer bothersome side effects than those with moderate or severe/very severe disease. Side effects reported by all respondents as most impactful were weight gain, cognitive impairment, and sexual dysfunction. Over 82% of all respondents wished for treatments with rapid onset; improved functionality, increased interest/pleasure, and reduced feelings of hopelessness/anxiety/agitation were reported as respondents’ main treatment goals.
Conclusions: This survey revealed distinct characteristics among individuals with varying MDD severity. While those with higher severity reported less favorable treatment experiences, all respondents favored rapid-onset treatments.
