PRODROMES AND PRECURSORS - EPIDEMIOLOGIC DATA FOR PRIMARY PREVENTION OF DISORDERS WITH SLOW ONSET

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The concepts of prodrome and precursor are used to show how epidemiologic data on age at onset can be used in timing preventive interventions and selecting target populations. METHODS: Data concerning onset of DSM-III major depression and panic disorder were taken from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program. Cumulative distributions of ages at onset of diagnosis and onset of precursors are presented, and the concept of attributable risk is introduced. Attributable risk is the maximum proportion of cases that would be prevented if an intervention were 100% effective in eliminating a specific precursor. RESULTS: Illustrative results for depression and panic are presented. Precurso..