BACKGROUND: This study assesses depression among primary care patients, the relationship between depression and functioning, and how frequently depressed individuals receive mental health treatment. METHODS: Two hundred and thirteen participants completed a diagnostic interview and measures of functional impairment and service utilization. RESULTS: Sixty-two clinic patients were depressed, and depressed individuals experienced significant functional impairment even after controlling for comorbid anxiety disorders and medical problems. However, less than 40% of depressed individuals were receiving treatment for depression. Severity of impairment was related to likelihood of receiving mental health services. LIMITATIONS: Several factors to consider when evaluating this study are the cross-sectional design, use of self-report data, and lack of random sampling. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that depression has a unique and significant impact on the functioning of primary care patients, and emphasize the need for identification of depressive disorders in primary care.
BACKGROUND: This study assesses depression among primary care patients, the relationship between depression and functioning, and how frequently depressed individuals receive mental health treatment. METHODS: Two hundred and thirteen participants completed a diagnostic interview and measures of functional impairment and service utilization. RESULTS: Sixty-two clinic patients were depressed, and depressed individuals experienced significant functional impairment even after controlling for comorbid anxiety disorders and medical problems. However, less than 40% of depressed individuals were receiving treatment for depression. Severity of impairment was related to likelihood of receiving mental health services. LIMITATIONS: Several factors to consider when evaluating this study are the cross-sectional design, use of self-report data, and lack of random sampling. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that depression has a unique and significant impact on the functioning of primary care patients, and emphasize the need for identification of depressive disorders in primary care.
Authors: Lisa B Sheeber; Edward G Feil; John R Seeley; Craig Leve; Jeff M Gau; Betsy Davis; Erik Sorensen; Steve Allan Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 2017-04
Authors: Tanya A. Zielinski; E Sherwood Brown; Vicki A. Nejtek; David A. Khan; Jacob J. Moore; A John Rush Journal: Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry Date: 2000-10