The aim of this study was to characterize latent subtypes of major depression and changes in these subtypes among women receiving citalopram in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial. Latent transition analysis was applied to data from 755 women who completed baseline and week 12 study visits in level 1 of STAR*D. Items from the self-report version of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology were used as indicators of latent depression subtype. Four subtypes were identified at baseline and week 12. The baseline subtypes were Mild (21 %), Moderate (30 %), Severe with Increased Appetite (16 %), and Severe with Decreased Appetite (34 %). The subtypes at week 12 were Symptom Resolution (65 %), Mild (23 %), Moderate (9 %), and Severe with Psychomotor Disturbances (3 %). Women in the Moderate subtype at baseline had the greatest chance of moving to Symptom Resolution (87 %). Women in the Severe with Decreased Appetite subtype had the lowest chance of transitioning to Symptom Resolution (46 %). Depression severity and appetite distinguished depression subtypes for women before treatment with citalopram. Depression severity and psychomotor disturbances characterized the subtypes after treatment. This work highlights the need to consider how depression treatment changes different symptoms instead of relying exclusively on summary rating scores.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT00021528.