Major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression: an epidemiological analysis in Argentina of the Study of Treatment-Resistant Depression in Latin America

Abstract

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) prevalence varies considerable between regions and epidemiology of TRD in Argentina is lacking. Based on the Treatment-Resistant Depression in America Latina (TRAL) study, epidemiology and burden of TRD in MDD patients from Argentina is reported in this paper. A sample of adult MDD patients (n=396) from 5 sites in Argentina, with clinical diagnosis were included. Patients with psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, dementia, with severe chemical dependence or currently participating in another clinical trial were excluded. Patient reported outcomes and clinical assessment scales were used as outcomes. The prevalence of TRD in MDD patients in Argentina is 33.2%, based on TRAL data. Patients in TRD are older compared to those without TRD, and was more evident in married/consensual union MDD patients. Higher suicidality, greater comorbidity based on MINI, and worse scores in MADRS and PHQ-9 were identified in TRD patients. The prevalence identified in TRAL study for Argentina is substantial comparing with other Latin American countries and worldwide prevalence. TRD represents a disproportional burden to society, and efforts should be placed on reducing the burden of MDD and TRD in Argentina by improving early diagnosis, therapeutic management and ensuring that all patients have better access to mental healthcare.