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Affective symptoms associated with the onset of major depression in the community: findings from the US National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program
Author(s) -
Dryman A.,
Eaton W. W.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1991.tb01410.x
Subject(s) - catchment area , depression (economics) , mental health , psychiatry , psychology , epidemiology , gerontology , medicine , clinical psychology , drainage basin , geography , cartography , economics , macroeconomics
This study examined the strength of relationships between forms of depressive symptoms over a one‐year period and the onset of major depression. The data analyzed were collected in 4 sites of the US National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program (NIMH‐ECA, 1981–1985). The Diagnostic Interview Schedule's specifications of DSM‐III criteria for major depression were employed. Overall, the results indicated a strong positive association between an onset episode and the following depressive symptoms over 1 year: diminished sexual drive, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and trouble concentrating or thinking. Sleep disturbance among women and fatigue among males were also significantly associated with experiencing an onset of major depression. The implications of the findings for secondary prevention efforts are explored.