Predictors of 12-week remission in a nationwide cohort of people with depressive disorders: The CRESCEND study

Objective: To estimate the 12-week remission rate of patients with depressive disorders and predictors of this in a naturalistic clinical setting in South Korea. Methods: For people with DSM-IV depressive disorders about to receive treatment at 18 hospitals, data on sociodemographic and health status were obtained. A free choice of clinical interventions was allowed and naturalistic follow-up took place at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks later. Remission was defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of ≤7 sustained to 12 weeks or last follow-up, if earlier. Results: For 723 participants, the 12-week remission rate was 31.4%. Remission was more likely in women, and in patients without a prior history of suicide attempt, and those with lower baseline anxiety. Conclusions: Remission associated with unrestricted clinical interventions was comparable to STAR*D estimates for citalopram alone. Comorbid anxiety and previous suicide attempt were markers of worse outcome.