Predictors of remission from chronic depression: a prospective study in a nationally representative sample.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to identify predictors of remission from chronic depression in a prospective longitudinal general population survey; second, to determine the relative level functioning and well-being of those in remission.

Methods: The sample included respondents who met the criteria for major depressive disorder from Wave 1 (2001-2002) and through Wave 2 (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC).

Results: Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Cluster B personality disorders and a history of Physical Abuse were correlated with reduced likelihood of chronic depression remission.

Predictors of alcohol dependence relapse during recurrence of major depression.

This study sought to determine clinical predictors of alcohol relapse during recurrence of major depression. The total sample included 2,820 adults with a history of alcohol dependence who had a comorbid current episode of major depression. Twenty-six percent had a relapse of alcohol dependence.

A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of venlafaxine-extended release for co-occurring cannabis dependence and depressive disorders.

Aim: To evaluate whether venlafaxine-extended release (VEN-XR) is an effective treatment for cannabis dependence with concurrent depressive disorders.

Design: This was a randomized, 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of out-patients (n = 103) with DSM-IV cannabis dependence and major depressive disorder or dysthymia. Participants received up to 375 mg VEN-XR on a fixed-flexible schedule or placebo.

Do manualized psychosocial interventions help reduce relapse among alcohol-dependent adults treated with naltrexone or placebo? A meta-analysis.

Background:  During the past decade, several novel medication treatments and psychosocial interventions have been tested. Overall, their impact on reducing alcohol use and preventing relapse has been modest. These outcomes have spurred researchers to investigate whether the addition of manualized psychosocial therapies with demonstrated efficacy to pharmacotherpy would have a synergistic effect.

Impairment in psychosocial functioning associated with dysthymic disorder in the NESARC study.

Background: Chronic depression is associated with impaired functioning. The National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC) is a representative sample (N=43,093) of the United States non-institutionalized population aged 18years and older. We hypothesized that individuals with chronic low-grade depression, dysthymic disorder, would have more impaired functioning than individuals with acute major depression or the general population.

Does personality disorder decrease the likelihood of remission in early-onset chronic depression?

Background: The impact of personality disorders (PD) on the course of depression has been gaining interest among clinical researchers over the past decade. Recent observational studies have found that PD was associated with impaired social functioning and reduced likelihood of depression recovery. Elevated rates of PD have been noted in early-onset and chronic forms subtypes of depression.

Does remission from alcohol and drug use disorders increase the likelihood of smoking cessation among nicotine dependent young adults?

Background: This article tests the hypothesis that remission from substance use disorders is associated with smoking cessation in nicotine dependent young adults.

Design And Methods: The sample was composed of 976 young adults with lifetime substance use disorders and nicotine dependence who were subjects in the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol abuse and related conditions (NESARC). The Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV Version was used to assess lifetime and past year psychiatric disorders.

Hypomania with and without Dysphoria: comparison of comorbidity and clinical characteristics of respondents from a national community sample.

Objective: To compare rates of comorbidity, treatment utilization, the course of illness, and past year social functioning of Hypomania with and without Dysphoria Hypomania (mixed state).

Method: The National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) was a nationally representative face-to-face survey of 43,093 respondents, aged 18 years and older, conducted in 2001 through 2002. The target population of the survey is the civilian, noninstitutionalized population residing in the United States.

Efficacy and safety of antidepressant monotherapy in the treatment of bipolar-II depression.

Sparse data exist regarding the risks and benefits of treating bipolar-II depression with antidepressants alone. On the basis of studies of bipolar-I patients, treatment guidelines suggest antidepressants should be augmented with mood stabilizers. Whether these recommendations apply to bipolar-II is unclear.

Predictors of cannabis dependence recovery among epidemiological survey respondents in the United States.

Cannabis Dependence remains a highly prevalent disorder in the United States. Though longitudinal studies have accumulated data regarding risk factors and psychosocial correlates of habitual cannabis use, the field lacks knowledge regarding predictors of recovery in community samples. Thus we conducted a secondary data analysis of The National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions to address this issue.

The effects of alcohol and drug dependence on the course of depression.

There is a paucity of epidemiological data regarding the effects of substance use dependence (SUD) on the course of depression. This study analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS). Among respondents with lifetime SUD and unipolar depression, current SUD increased the risk (OR = 2.

Predictors of treatment contact among individuals with cannabis dependence.

Epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown that cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. Furthermore, individuals with cannabis dependence have high rates of comorbid substance use disorders and depression. A significant proportion of individuals with addictive disorders develop withdrawal symptoms, cannot control their drug use despite substantial adverse psychosocial consequences, and frequently have a coexisting psychiatric disorder.

Rates of psychiatric comorbidity among U.S. residents with lifetime cannabis dependence.

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in the U.S. population.

Comparison of the effects of fluoxetine, imipramine and placebo on personality in atypical depression.

Background: Atypical depression is associated with elevated rates of personality disorders. Studies have confirmed the efficacy of a several antidepressants in the treatment of atypical depression. Whether their pathological dimensions of personality diminish after benefitting from effective medication treatment is unclear.