Evolutive Pattern of Major Depressive Disorder among Young Patients

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) in young patients represents a real public health problem, with a concerning increase in its prevalence. Aim of the study: To observe and to document relevant information regarding the particularities and the evolutive clinical patterns of MDD in young patients (18–50 years). Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study on 68 patients diagnosed with MDD, aged 18–50 years, admitted to the First Department of Psychiatry of the Clinical County Hospital of Târgu Mureș, Romania between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. Data regarding the patients’ psychiatric evaluation (primary and secondary diagnosis, relapses, associated personality disorders, autolytic attempts, treatment options, evolution, comorbidities) and psychological evaluation (HAM-D, HAM-A, GAF) were analyzed. Results: The highest prevalence of MDD was found in the 41–50 years age group (66%), followed by the 31–40 years age group (24%). Regarding the GAF and HAM-D scales, 90% of patients had scores in the range of 41–50 and >20 respectively. We found a high prevalence of personality disorders (75%), the most common being borderline personality disorder (27%). Younger patients (18–35 years) tended to recover quicker, with an average of 8.15 hospitalization days compared to older patients (36–50 years) who had an average of 12 days. Relapses were present in 55% of cases, being more frequent in women, and there was a 50% rate of relapse in subjects with no social support network. Autolytic attempts were present in 25% of cases and insomnia in 92%. Conclusions: MDD has a major impact on the patients’ global functionality and their quality of life. In our study, women were more vulnerable to develop MDD, while younger adults were less prone to develop MDD and they recovered more quickly.

Keywords

• major depressive disorder
• disability
• quality of life