Abstract
BackgroundAlthough evidence-based and effective treatments are available for people with depression, a substantial number does not seek or receive help. Therefore, it is important to gain a better understanding of the reasons why people do or do not seek help. This study examined what predisposing and need factors are associated with help-seeking among people with major depression.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 102 subjects with major depression. Respondents were recruited from the general population in collaboration with three Municipal Health Services (GGD) across different regions in the Netherlands. Inclusion criteria were: being aged 18 years or older, a high score on a screening instrument for depression (K10 > 20), and a diagnosis of major depression established through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 2.1).ResultsOf the total sample, 65 % (n = 66) had received help in the past six months. Results showed that respondents with a longer duration of symptoms and those with lower personal stigma were more likely to seek help. Other determinants were not significantly related to help-seeking.ConclusionsLonger duration of symptoms was found to be an important determinant of help-seeking among people with depression. It is concerning that stigma was related to less help-seeking. Knowledge and understanding of depression should be promoted in society, hopefully leading to reduced stigma and increased help-seeking.
Highlights
Evidence-based and effective treatments are available for people with depression, a substantial number does not seek or receive help
Using data from a general population in the Netherlands, this study examined predisposing and need factors that are related to help-seeking behavior among people with depression
This study suggests that duration of symptoms and personal stigma are associated with help-seeking behavior among people with depression
Summary
Evidence-based and effective treatments are available for people with depression, a substantial number does not seek or receive help. This study examined what predisposing and need factors are associated with help-seeking among people with major depression. Considering the high burden of depression and the large treatment gap, it is important to identify reasons why people do or do not seek help for depression. This study examined determinants of help-seeking among people with major depression. The study was guided by Anderson’s behavioral model of health care utilization [9] which distinguishes three groups of determinants for help-seeking: 1) Predisposing factors: characteristics of individuals that exist prior to their illness, like age or gender; 2) Enabling factors: organizational factors which affect the accessibility of mental health care such as location and distribution of health care facilities. From the patients’ perspective this factor relates to knowledge about accessibility of health services and individuals’ financial situation; 3) Need factors: professional judgment of people’s health status (evaluated need for care) and Boerema et al BMC Psychiatry (2016) 16:78 individuals’ perspective on health, symptoms and functioning (perceived need for care) [9]
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