To compare the quality of life using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) in patients with MDD or GAD, before and after treatment and to compare remission based on symptoms versus functioning.

Q-LES-Q and symptom-specific MADRS and HAMA data from 8 published randomised, 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials with escitalopram were used. The short form of the patient-rated Q-LES-Q was used to assess patients’ perceived quality of life and satisfaction at baseline and at last assessment. ANCOVA was used, adjusting for study, centre, baseline value, and treatment. MADRS and HAMA total scores were equated to Q-LES-Q using the method of equipercentile linking.

MDD or GAD patients report a substantial degree of impairment in their quality of life (64% and 76% of community norm, respectively). Treatment with escitalopram resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient quality of life. The improvement was greater in remitters (MADRS<=12 or HAMA<=7) than in non-remitters and greater in patients treated with escitalopram than in patients treated with placebo. There was a strong correlation between each symptom scale (MADRS, HAMA) and the Q-LES-Q. The present analyses suggest that scores as low as 3-8 on the MADRS and 5-10 on the HAMA (complete remission) correspond to a Q-LES-Q score of 58 (+/- 10%), found in community comparison subjects.

Treatment with escitalopram results in a statistically significant improvement of quality of life in patients with MDD or GAD.