Treatment for depression and change in mood instability

Abstract

Background: Mood varies along at least 2 dimensions, severity and instability (MI). Compared with severity, there is little research on the treatment of MI. We assessed changes in MI with community psychiatric treatment, in patients with depression and mood swings.

Method: Diagnoses were obtained with the MINI. Thirty-four patients completed the Mood Disorders Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T). MI was calculated from visual analogue scales (VAS) ratings for depression and anxiety. The VAS was rated twice a day for a week. The BDI, STAI-T and VAS were repeated after 3-6 months of treatment.

Results: Patients improved with treatment on depression (BDI) and anxiety (STAI-T) severity but not on MI. However, change in MI predicted change in depression severity (BDI).

Limitations: The sample size was relatively small and information on treatment was limited. There was no control group. Studies of longer duration and with more comprehensive treatment might be necessary to show changes in MI.

Conclusions: MI does not respond consistently within 3-6 months to common effective psychiatric treatments for depression and anxiety. Improved treatment of MI could result in improved treatment for major depression.