Astrid Chevance, a psychiatrist and researcher in Paris, is leading a cohort study on depression that was launched in November 2023. This study is part of the ComPaRe community, which includes 50,000 volunteers with various chronic illnesses. The aim of this study is to develop new clinical tools for diagnosing, predicting, and treating depression and bipolar disorder based on the needs and experiences of the patients. The study collects clinical and sociodemographic information as well as personal narratives to fill the gap in longitudinal data on these common mental health conditions.
One unique aspect of this digital cohort is that it is open to anyone who believes they may be affected by depression, even if they have not received a formal diagnosis from a doctor. This inclusivity allows researchers to study self-diagnosis patterns and track the evolution of symptoms over time. The ComPaRe Depression community complements other cohorts in France and around the world that focus on patients treated in specialized hospital centers. Over time, this study will enable researchers to conduct specific studies on topics such as the announcement of a diagnosis and the disability caused by depression.
According to Chevance, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of depressive episodes in France since the 2010s, particularly among young adults. The lack of longitudinal data on depression has created a need for research that incorporates patient experiences and perspectives. By including personal narratives in the study, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the profiles of individuals who experience relapses and those who do not seek medical help despite exhibiting symptoms of depression.
The ComPaRe Depression study aims to address the pressing need for new clinical tools to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. By focusing on the lived experiences of patients, researchers hope to develop more personalized and effective interventions for these mental health conditions. The study will also contribute valuable data to the field of mental health research by filling gaps in longitudinal data and shedding light on the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of depression.
The launch of the ComPaRe Depression cohort in 2023 marks an important step in mental health research in France. By including personal narratives and experiences in their study, researchers hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of depression and bipolar disorder and develop new tools and interventions to improve patient outcomes. This study, along with other complementary cohorts in France and globally, will provide valuable insights into the prevalence, impact, and treatment of these common mental health conditions, ultimately improving the quality of care for individuals affected by depression.
