Italian Study on Depressive Disorders (STudio Italiano MAlattia Depressiva, or STIMA-D): a nationwide snapshot of the status of treatment for major depression

Introduction: Major depression is a worldwide problem and often remains undetected and untreated. Given the low rates of detection plus the need to intervene in a short time, it is important to identify factors which are likely to improve treatment outcomes. Methods: STIMA-D was designed to provide the profile of patients with major depression in Italy (focusing on pathway to care, patient characteristics, drug therapy and treatment outcomes). The patients enrolled (M/F, aged between 18 and 65) experienced single/multiple episodes of major depression (DSM-IV-TR). Patients with lifetime or current bipolar syndrome or other mental disorders were excluded. Results: 44 of the 50 invited centers sent data concerning 1 140 patients. The majority of patients were women. Among working individuals, 52.5% of them were absent from work due to depression in the previous 6 months. Recurrent episodes of major depression were very common and were associated with persistence of residual post-episodic symptoms, a family history of mood disorders and presence of anxiety. 59.6% of the patients were treated with monotherapy (SSRI or SNRI), while 19.2% of them were treated with SSRI plus SNRI. Only the 25.5% on monotherapy had a complete response compared to 12.4% of patients on dual therapy. Discussion: Poor outcomes in major depression have profound implications on patients' quality of life and cost burden. New pharmacological approaches with novel modes of action are therefore urgently needed.