Citation

Smith BM, Weaver FM, Ullrich PM. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2007; 86(8): 662-671.

Affiliation

Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care and VA Spinal Cord Injury Quality Research Initiative, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois 60141, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PHM.0b013e318114cb6d

PMID

17667197

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of depression diagnoses among veterans with spinal cord injuries and disabilities (SCI&D) for a 3-yr period, and to characterize patterns of antidepressant medication use in this population. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective analysis of clinical and administrative data. The sample consisted of 3678 veterans with SCI&D who had received any health care at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility between fiscal years 1999 and 2001, a depression diagnosis, and complete data. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between patient characteristics, antidepressant types, and prescription patterns. RESULTS: Approximately 22% of veterans with SCI&D received a diagnosis of depression during at least one encounter with a healthcare provider. Of those diagnosed, 72% received antidepressant prescriptions. However, a large percentage (67%) did not continue antidepressant use for 6 mos. Patients started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor were more likely to have at least 6 mos of continuous use than patients started on other, newer antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS: Many veterans with SCI&D may not be receiving adequate treatment for depression. Veterans with SCI&D should be aggressively screened and treated for depression, and further research is necessary to determine which treatments for depression are most effective for persons with SCI&D.

Language: en