Impact of cluster C personality disorders on outcomes of acute and maintenance treatment in late-life depression.

OBJECTIVE

Personality disorders (PDs) have been associated with poor treatment outcomes in acute treatments for late-life depression and with persistent functional impairment after recovery from an episode of depression.

METHODS

Using survival analysis and mixed-effects models, the authors examined the impact of Cluster C PDs on time-to-response and several aspects of functioning in acute and maintenance treatment of major depression in later life.

RESULTS

Cluster C PDs were associated with longer time-to-response during acute treatment and non-response in continuation or maintenance treatment. Although not statistically significant, there was evidence of a cumulative negative impact of Cluster C PDs and residual depressive symptoms on instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) during maintenance treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that screening for PD may be important for clinicians treating late-life depression and that the combination of Cluster C PDs and residual depressive symptoms may predict functional declines even after recovery from the index episode of depression.