Discriminant validity (mean instrument scores for remission, mild, moderate or severe): p<0.001 (analysis of variance (ANOVA)).
Previous findings suggest the SF-12 instrument is sensitive to remission of depressive symptoms [ 15] and response to treatment among depression patients [ 16].
General consensus suggests that values of 7 or less on the HAMD are indicative of clinical remission; for the MADRS instrument, many clinicians have come to accept that values of 10 or less are likely to indicate remission [ 31].
Since the goal of this research was to evaluate the generalizability of the results of psychotherapy trials, which generally use symptom reduction or remission on an observer rated instrument as primary outcome, we used the data collected with equivalent instruments in our ROM system.
In line with psychotherapy efficacy trials, we specifically chose to define outcome as symptom reduction or remission on an observer rated instrument in order to evaluate the generalizability of results from efficacy trials.
Several other studies evaluating HRQoL in depressed patients using various instruments also presented similar utility scores when patients achieved remission: 0.79 measured by McSad [ 29], 0.70 by quality of well-being [ 30], and 0.74 by the standard gamble method [ 31].
With the current systematic review, we aim to summarise the existing literature on validity of patient reported outcomes to measure stiffness in RA low disease activity or remission, to aid the choice for a measurement instrument.
A symptom-based, validated assessment instrument was developed to enable clinicians and researchers to define symptomatic remission throughout the course of illness [ 2].
5. To evaluate the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs on the remission of depressive symptoms by using previously standardized instruments to evaluate symptom severity and treatment-induced changes (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale).
If the instruments are measuring significant changes in life due to major events such as diagnosis of serious disease, surgery, chemotherapy, and remission, then the location and method of administration of the instrument should have minimal effect on responses.
However, OCD is regarded as a stable and often chronic disease [ 1] and, considering the large effect sizes on both the clinician and self-administered instruments, it is unlikely the overall treatment results could be due spontaneous remission.
