Measurement-based care for unipolar depression

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2011 Dec;13(6):446-58. doi: 10.1007/s11920-011-0237-8.

Abstract

This article outlines the role of measurement-based care in the management of antidepressant treatment for patients with unipolar depression. Using measurement-based care, clinicians and researchers have the opportunity to optimize individual treatment and obtain maximum antidepressant treatment response. Measurement-based care breaks down to several simple components: antidepressant dosage, depressive symptom severity, medication tolerability, adherence to treatment, and safety. Quick and easy-to-use, empirically validated assessments are available to monitor these areas of treatment. Utilizing measurement-based care has several steps-screening and antidepressant selection based upon treatment history, followed by assessment-based medication management and ongoing care. Electronic measurement-based care systems have been developed and implemented, further reducing the burden on patients and clinicians. As more treatment providers adopt electronic health care management systems, compatible measurement-based care antidepressant treatment delivery and monitoring systems may become increasingly utilized.

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents