Automated Telephone System to Improve Treatment Adherence in People With Depression

Telecom System to Improve Adherence to Antidepressants

This study will determine the efficacy of a computerized telephone system called Telephone-Linked Care (TLC) in improving adherence to antidepressant medication regimens in people with depression.

The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a computerized telephone system called TLC (Telephone-Linked Care) in helping subjects adhere to their antidepressant medication regimens.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, depressive disorder not otherwise specified, or any combination of the three
• Prescribed at least one antidepressant medication
• Access to a telephone with touch-tone service
• Speak and understand conversational English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current significant alcohol or drug abuse
• Clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or significant personality disorder
• Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or other neurodegenerative diseases
• Alzheimer's disease and other dementia
• Cancer, undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Suffering from Renal disease or on dialysis
• Immunologic disorder (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], etc.)
• HIV
• Terminal illness
• Homeless
• Legally blind
• Planning to leave the geographic area during the study period