Determinants of poor 1-year outcome of DSM-III-R major depression in the general population: results of the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS)

Objective: To investigate risk factors of poor 1-year outcome of major depr ession in the general population and to compare the results with data from clinical populations. Method: Psychiatric diagnoses were determined in a representative sample (N = 7076) of the Dutch general population, using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) at baseline and 12 months later. A bread range of potential risk factors were evaluated. Results: Of the depressed people at baseline, 28.3% were depressed 12 month s later. Younger age, severity of depression, longer duration of previous e pisodes, the presence of anhedonia and early awakening, external locus of c ontrol and multiple negative life events appear to be risk factors. Conclusion: Poor outcome of major depression is frequent in the general pop ulation. Largely the same risk factors are involved as in clinical populati ons.