*2.3. Statistical Analysis*

Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were summarized using means, standard deviations (SDs), medians, and ranges. Treatment response was defined using the CGI-I score, with values ≤ 2 (very much improved or much improved) corresponding to response and values ≥ 3 (minimally improved or worse) corresponding to non-response. Patients were classified as having attained remission and recovery if at least three weeks or four months, respectively, of minimal depressive symptoms [26] had been attained at the time of the most recent psychiatry follow-up visit. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (CIs) for percentages were calculated using Wilson's method. Time to discontinuation of SSRI medication was characterized using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve plotted using Stata software (version 14). Other data analysis was conducted using SAS software (version 9.4).
