Are Depressed Outpatients With and Without a Family History of Substance Use Disorder Different? A Baseline Analysis of the STAR*D Cohort

Using data from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study, participants with major depressive disorder were grouped according to presence or absence of family history of substance use disorder. Between group comparisons were made of demographic & clinical characteristics. Of 4010 participants, 46% had a positive family history of substance use disorder. This group reported an earlier age at onset of major depressive disorder, greater length of illness, & more major depressive episodes. They had an increased likelihood of recurrent major depressive disorder, more prior suicide attempts, & more concurrent psychiatric comorbidities. (31 refs.)