Past Utilization of Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Services by a Cohort of Patients With Major Depression

Abstract

The authors examined past utilization of outpatient psychiatric services by elderly depressed patients. A chart review identified 49 patients (mean age = 69.4) who had ceased active treatment, of whom 28 were successfully contacted. Reasons for discontinuation were 1) patient perception that care was no longer needed (51.5%); 2) existence of barriers to care (33.3%); and 3) perception that treatment was ineffective (15.2%). Findings included 1) a higher number of visits by patients referred from a non-healthcare source and by married patients; 2) lower Beck Depression Inventory scores among those who reported that they did not need additional treatment; and 3) a greater willingness to re-engage in treatment by those patients with a higher number of visits during their previous treatment. Patient characteristics and source of referral were associated with both past service utilization and likelihood of future usage; however, many individuals do not access treatment because of both practical and attitudinal barriers to care.