HAM-D17 and HAM-D6 sensitivity to change in relation to desvenlafaxine dose and baseline depression severity in major depressive disorder.
Author(s): Bech P, Boyer P, Germain JM, Padmanabhan K, Haudiquet V, Pitrosky B, Tourian KA
Affiliation(s): Psychiatric Research Unit, Frederiksborg General Hospital, Hillerod, Denmark. per.bech@regionh.dk
Publication date & source: 2010-11, Pharmacopsychiatry., 43(7):271-6. Epub 2010 Sep 9.
Publication type: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
INTRODUCTION: This retrospective analysis compared sensitivity to change on the 17-item and 6-item Hamilton Rating Scales For Depression (HAM-D (17) and HAM-D (6), respectively) in relation to antidepressant dose and baseline depression severity. METHODS: Data were derived from 6 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trials of fixed-dose desvenlafaxine (50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/d) for major depressive disorder. HAM-D (17) and HAM-D (6) effect sizes were assessed. RESULTS: HAM-D (17) effect sizes were negative (favoured placebo) for higher desvenlafaxine doses (200-400 mg/d) at week 1, but were positive for all doses after week 2, with no clear dose-response pattern. However, HAM-D (6) effect sizes were positive for all doses at all weeks. Effect sizes were consistently greater for HAM-D (6) vs. HAM-D (17), regardless of time spent under therapy. Effect sizes were greater for HAM-D (6) vs. HAM-D (17) for all desvenlafaxine doses among patients with baseline HAM-D (17) <25, but not among patients with baseline HAM-D (17) >/= 25. DISCUSSION: The HAM-D (6) demonstrated greater sensitivity to change and robustness than the HAM-D (17), supporting the greater homogeneity of the HAM-D (6). (c) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.
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