Journal
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
Volume 320, Issue -, Pages 682-690Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.096
Keywords
Major depressive disorder; Age of onset; Symptomatology; Machine learning; Random forest; Latent profile analysis
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This study examines the impact of age of onset (AOO) on symptomatology in major depressive disorder (MDD) using a machine learning approach and latent profile analysis (LPA). The findings indicate that the severity of neurovegetative symptoms is positively associated with AOO, while the severity of cognitive-behavioral symptoms is negatively associated with AOO. This research highlights the importance of considering AOO in clinical evaluations and early detection of MDD.
Background: The age of onset (AOO) is a key factor for heterogeneity in major depressive disorder (MDD). Looking at the effect of AOO on symptomatology may improve clinical outcomes. This study aims to examine whether and how AOO affects symptomatology using a machine learning approach and latent profile analysis (LPA). Methods: The study enrolled 915 participants diagnosed with MDD from eight hospitals across China. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The relationship between symp-tom profiles and AOO was explored using Random Forest. The effect of AOO on symptom clusters and subtypes was investigated using multiple linear regression and LPA. A continuous AOO indicator was used to conduct the analyses.Results: Based on the Random Forest, symptom profiles were closely associated with AOO. The regression model showed that the severity of neurovegetative symptoms was positively associated with AOO (beta = 0.18, p < 0.001), and the severity of cognitive-behavioral symptoms was negatively associated with AOO (beta =-0.12, p < 0.001). LPA demonstrated that the subgroups characterized by suicide and guilt had earlier onset of depression. The subgroup with the lowest global severity of depression had the latest onset.Limitations: AOO was recalled retrospectively. The relative scarcity of participants with childhood and adoles-cence onset depression.Conclusions: AOO has an important impact on symptomatology. The findings may enhance clinical evaluations for MDD and assist clinicians in promoting earlier detection and individualized care in vulnerable individuals.
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