Stages of major depressive disorder and behavioral multi-morbidities: Findings from nationally representative epidemiologic study

Objective: To present a three stage-model of major depressive disorder (MDD) and evaluate differences in behavioral histories/experiences and multi-morbidities between stages. Methods: We used data from the 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of US adults (n = 36,309). Based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, we identified and compared three groups of adults with MDD histories: 1) new onset MDD (n = 509; 5.6%); 2) chronic MDD (n = 3,871; 46.1%); and 3) recovered from MDD (n = 3,673; 48.3%). Multivariable analyses tested independent group differences in behavioral histories/experiences and diagnostic multi-morbidities between 1) recovered MDD vs. new onset MDD; 2) chronic MDD vs. new onset MDD; and 3) recovered MDD vs. chronic MDD. Results: Adults who have recovered from MDD as compared to those with chronic MDD were 2.5 times more likely to have recovered from two or more psychiatric disorders in addition to MDD (95% confidence intervals [CI]=1.76-3.61) and from alcohol use disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.28; 95% CI=1.08-1.52). They were also less likely than those with chronic MDD to have borderline personality disorder (p<0.001), pain (p<0.001), or medical co-morbidity (p = 0.003). Adults with new onset MDD were younger than other groups, and more likely than those who have recovered to have borderline personality disorder and concurrent psychiatric or substance use disorders (p<0.05 for all). Conclusion: Behavioral histories/experiences and multi-morbidities differ significantly across stages of MDD. These concurrent problems may impede recovery and foster chronicity and should therefore be an integral focus of treatment.

Automated summary

The study introduced a three-stage model of MDD and found that patients who recovered from MDD were more likely to recover from multiple psychiatric disorders and alcohol use disorder compared to those with chronic MDD. They were also less likely to have borderline personality disorder, pain, or medical co-morbidities. Patients with new onset MDD were younger and more likely to have borderline personality disorder and concurrent psychiatric/substance use disorders compared to those who had recovered.