• This is a Healthcare Effectiveness & Data Information Set (HEDIS®) administrative measure and only includes Medicaid Primary beneficiaries.
• The annual reported rate captures activity during the stated measurement year (MY).

The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is a registered trademark of NCQA.

The percentage of members 18 years of age & older who were treated with antidepressant medication, had a diagnosis of major depression and who remained on an antidepressant medication treatment.

Two rates are reported:

1. Acute:  The percentage of members who remained on an antidepressant medication for at least 84 days (12 weeks)
2. Continuation:  The percentage of members who remained on an antidepressant medication for at least 180 days (3 months)

In a given year, an estimated 20.9 milion American adults suffer from a depressive disorder or depression.  Without treatment, symptoms associated with these disorders can last for years, or can eventually lead to death by suicide or other causes.  Fortunately, many people can improve through treatement with appropriate medications.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, successful treatment of patients with major depressive disorder is promoted by a thorough assessment of the patient and close adherence to treatment plans.  Treatment consists of an acute phase, during which remission is induced; a continuation phase, during which remission is preserved; and a maintenance phase, during which the susceptible patient is protected against the recurrence of a subsequent major depressive episode.

Last updated:  August 2021