Continuity of outpatient treatment after discharge of patients with major depressive disorder.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the predictors associated with the continuity of outpatient treatment after discharge for patients with major depression.

Methods: The medical records of patients discharged with diagnosis of major depression were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups based on whether they regularly visited the outpatient clinic for more than 4 months after discharge.

Results: The 4-month follow-up group was older, had a lower employment rate, and had a lower rate of being divorced or separated. The 4-month follow-up group had a longer duration of illness, a higher rate of recurrent major depressive disorder, older age at onset, and a longer duration of index hospitalization. Longer duration of index hospitalization and combination therapy were significantly related to an increased likelihood of 4-month follow-up visits.

Conclusions: Duration of hospitalization and prescription pattern of psychotropic medication appeared to have an influence on the continuity of outpatient treatment after discharge.