clinical remission
Achievement of minimal symptom levels on standardized rating scales, indicating substantial recovery from psychiatric illness.
Full Definition
Clinical remission in psychiatric research refers to the achievement of symptom levels below predetermined threshold scores on validated rating scales, indicating near-complete recovery from the acute phase of illness. Unlike response (typically ≥50% improvement), remission requires absolute score criteria such as HAMD-17 ≤7 for depression or YMRS ≤12 for mania. Remission is considered a more stringent and clinically meaningful endpoint than response, as it represents return to near-normal functioning. Sustained remission over extended periods is often used to define recovery and is predictive of better long-term outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'response' by emphasizing the absolute threshold criteria.
In Context
- "Clinical remission was defined as HAMD-17 total score ≤7 at two consecutive visits." — Secondary endpoint definition
- "Rates of clinical remission were significantly higher in the active treatment group." — Efficacy results