HAM-D17 and HAM-D6 Sensitivity to Change in Relation to Desvenlafaxine Dose and Baseline Depression Severity in Major Depressive Disorder

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective analysis compared sensitivity to change on the 17-item and 6-item HAMILTON RATING SCALES FOR DEPRESSION (HAM-D 17 and HAM-D 6 , respectively) in relation to antidepressant dose and baseline depression severity. METHODS: Data were derived from 6 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trials of fixed-dose desvenlafaxine (50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/d) for major depressive disorder. HAM-D 17 and HAM-D 6 effect sizes were assessed. RESULTS: HAM-D 17 effect sizes were negative (favoured placebo) for higher desvenlafaxine doses (200-400 mg/d) at week 1, but were positive for all doses after week 2, with no clear dose-response pattern. However, HAM-D 6 effect sizes were positive for all doses at all weeks. Effect sizes were consistently greater for HAM-D 6 vs. HAM-D 17 , regardless of time spent under therapy. Effect sizes were greater for HAM-D 6 vs. HAM-D 17 for all desvenlafaxine doses among patients with baseline HAM-D 17 <25, but not among patients with baseline HAM-D 17 ≥25. DISCUSSION: The HAM-D 6 demonstrated greater sensitivity to change and robustness than the HAM-D 17 , supporting the greater homogeneity of the HAM-D 6 .