Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment in the UK: risk of relapse or recurrence of depression

Background Patients with depression are often not prescribed antidepressant s for an adequate period of time. Aims The impact of antidepressant prescribing patterns on the risk of relap se or recurrence of depression is examined. Method The MediPlus UK Primary Care Database was used to identify patients treated for depression with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) . Records were used to construct hierarchical prescription patterns (less t han 120 days, switching/augmentation, upward titration, or stable use) as i ndicators for the occurrence of relapse or recurrence of depression. Results Patients with stable use experienced the lowest risk of relapse or recurrence. Factors significantly associated with increased risk include pr ior use of anxiolytic medications, more comorbid conditions and younger age . Conclusions The SSRI prescription pattern most consistent with recommended depression treatment guidelines was associated with the lowest risk of rela pse or recurrence. Declaration of interest Funding provided by Eli Lilly and Company.