Changes in the quality of life of patients receiving antidepressant medication in primary care: validation of the WHOQOL-100

Background The study arises from the need for good quality of life (QOL) assessment and a new comprehensive generic QOL profile for cross-cultural use. Aims To examine changes in the QOL of patients receiving antidepressants from a general practitioner, and to assess the validity and sensitivity of a new QOL measure. the World Health Organization Quality of Lire Assessment (I GO-item version) (WHOQOL-100). Method Patients with moderate depression (n=106) completed the WHOQOL-100 and Beck Depression inventory at the start of treatment and again after 6 weeks. Results Depression decreased significantly over 2 months and 74% reported feeling better. WHOQOL-100 scores increased in 24 of the 25 facets, demonstrating that QOL improves significantly in the 8 weeks following the start of antidepressant treatment. It also shows the instrument's validity and sensitivity to changes in clinical condition. Conclusions The UKWHOQOL-100 is confirmed as excellent to good. Antidepressants significantly and comprehensively improve QOL. Declaration of interest The research was funded by Glaxo-Wellcome Research & Development (Pharmacoeconomics) (RESA 1040).