Koch Elise, Smart Sophie, Einarsson Guðmundur, Kämpe Anders, Jonsson Lina, Alver Maris, Iveson Matthew, Göteson Andreas, Pardiñas Antonio F, Sønderby Ida E, O'Connell Kevin S, Li Qingqin, Lu Yi, Stefánsson Hreinn, Stefánsson Kári, Whalley Heather, Landén Mikael, O'Donovan Michael C, Smerud Knut, Dawson Gerard R, Werge Thomas, Buil Alfonso, Reif Andreas, Milani Lili, Molden Espen, Fabbri Chiara, Serretti Alessandro, Walters James, Lewis Cathryn M, Andreassen Ole A
Center for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Lancet Psychiatry. 2025 Jun;12(6):457-468. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(25)00061-6. Epub 2025 Apr 10.
Although information from real-world data can be used to identify factors that aid treatment choice, there are no guidelines for the use of such data. The aim of this Review is to summarise and evaluate definitions of treatment outcomes for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers when using real-world data, and to suggest standards for the field. Given that no standards for the use of these data in estimating treatment outcomes exist, variability is high for treatment outcome definitions. We make recommendations for different scenarios of available data and highlight the importance of using other sources of information to validate proxy measures such as continued treatment, switching between medications, or polypharmacy of psychotropic medications. Well defined and validated treatment outcome measures that incorporate real-world data could facilitate the development of precision psychiatry approaches and support regulatory decision making regarding psychopharmacological agents.