Self-recognition of depression in public care women's clinic patients.

Because young women seen in public care gynecology clinics are at very high risk for depression, it is important to find ways to increase detection of depression in this patient population. This study examined rates and predictors of self-recognition of depression in a sample of 95 depressed public care women's clinic patients. We found that fewer than half of the women (44%) identified their problems as depression, suggesting that the majority of women were not likely to receive treatment for their problems. Predictors of self-recognition included being told by a doctor in the past that they were depressed, endorsing medical/psychiatric causes of mental illness, and use of the coping strategies of facing a problem, alcohol or drug use, and prayer. These findings indicate the need for gynecology settings to (1) provide education about depression to women, (2) encourage them to discuss emotional problems with their physicians, and (3) provide increased education and training to physicians and staff about depression detection and assessment.