Depression in Ontario: under-treatment and factors related to antidepressant use

Abstract

Our study examines how depression is treated in Ontario, with particular examination of the correlates of antidepressant utilization using a broad model of individual (clinical), demographic, and health system determinants of treatment. From a community epidemiologic survey, a sample of 333 individuals with major depression in the past year was identified. More than half received no treatment (untreated n=170, 51.1%), while 74 (22.2%) received treatment without medication, 29 (8.7%) received treatment mainly with anxiolytics, and only 60 (18.0%) were treated with antidepressants. All four groups had similar rates of alcohol and substance abuse. Disability and comorbid anxiety were common, with the least in the untreated group and the most in the antidepressant group. Increased use of antidepressants was associated with psychiatrist contact, while family physicians treated a substantial minority primarily with anxiolytics. Under a universal health care system, no differential access to antidepressants was found in terms of demographic characteristics. Clinical severity and contact with a psychiatrist correlate with antidepressant treatment of depression.