Treatment-Resistant Depression in Argentina: results from a longitudinal analysis of the TRAL Study

Abstract

Literature concerning patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) treatment response and patient report outcomes (PROs) -such as QoL or disability- in Argentina is scarce. In the scope of the Treatment-Resistant Depression in America Latina (TRAL) study which previous results highlighted the burden of TRD compared to non-TRD patients as well as essential epidemiological data in the region, this paper reports on the outcomes of Standard-of-Care (SOC) over a 1-year follow-up of TRD patients in the subsample for Argentina. From a sample of 220 MDD patients identified in 5 sites in Argentina, 72 patients were diagnosed with TRD. Exclusion criteria included patients with psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, dementia, with severe chemical dependence or currently participating in another clinical trial. MADRS, PHQ-9 and PROs (EQ-5D and SDS) were used as outcomes. Patients’ mean age was 54.7 years and 70.3% of the patients were female. Around 61% of the patients achieved a response (reduction of MADRS score ≥ 50%), but over 33% did not achieve a remission (MADRS total score ≤12). Almost 67% of the patients still felt anxious/depressed at the end of the study (EQ-5D), while disruption affected patients in diverse areas -71% in work/school, 69.7% in social life/leisure and 66.6% in their family life/personal responsibilities. The burden of TRD is significant in Argentina, and more effort should be put in the implementation of treatment protocols with better outcomes.