Predicting long-term recovery from depression in community settings in Western Europe: evidence from ODIN

Objective To test the impact of socio-economic and psychological adversity and healthcare on long-term recovery from depression. Method A community sample of 347 people with depressive disorders was followed up after 9 years. Baseline socio-economic adversity, social support, healthcare use, and psychiatric history were identified. Respondents completed self-report instruments on current depressive status (Beck depression inventory) and longstanding psychosocial adversity (sexual, physical or emotional abuse). Univariate analyses tested for association between recovery and respondent characteristics. Results Follow-up was achieved for 182 (52%) of the sample, of whom 75 (41%) indicated recovery from depression. Psychological adversity definitely and socioeconomic adversity probably were associated with lack of recovery. Baseline healthcare had no apparent impact on outcome. Rurality and support after life events were associated with recovery. History of depression was associated with non-recovery. Conclusion Psychological adversity is, and socio-economic adversity may be, associated with long-term nonrecovery from depression in community settings