Psychiatric services : a journal of the American Psychiatric Association
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Advantages of using estimated depression-free days for evaluating treatment efficacy.
Several common methods for measuring treatment response present a snapshot of depression symptoms. The construct of estimated depression-free days (DFDs) simultaneously captures treatment outcome and estimates the patient's experience of depression over time. The study compared this measure with traditional measures used in depression treatment research. ⋯ The DFD is a valid measure for estimating treatment outcomes that reflects the course of symptom change over time. When multiple assessments were conducted between the pre- and posttest periods, DFDs incorporated additional data yet remained easily interpreted. The DFD should be considered for reporting outcomes in depression research.
-
This study examined off-label and evidence-based use of second-generation antipsychotic agents among elderly nursing home residents and factors associated with off-label use. ⋯ Although second-generation antipsychotics were frequently used for off-label indications, most of the usage was evidence based among elderly nursing home residents. However, the high level of non-evidence-based use combined with recent safety and efficacy data suggests an urgent need to address the evidence base for this vulnerable population.