Perceived quality of life in depression: Effect of clinical and demographic variables

The objective of the study was the evaluation of the influence of various clinical and sociodemographic factors on the perception of quality of life in 141 patients with depression (CIE-10). We used a multivariate analysis of logistic regression to predict lower quality of life and well-being. The best predictive variables for quality of life were the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score, the number of episodes, personality disorder and gender. For well-being, the best predictive variables were HAM-D score, type of family environment, Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) score, educational level and marital status. We conclude that the severity of the symptoms is the main factor influencing the appraisal of the quality of life, while sociodemographic variables play a more limited role.