Depression, problem recognition, and professional consultation.
Data are from a 1979 community sample (n = 1000) of adults in Los Angeles County. The analysis examines how depressive symptoms, measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and a variety of other factors influence problem recognition and use of mental health services. Of those people with a high level of depressive symptoms, nearly one third view themselves as having a nondepressive problem, while another third view themselves as having no personal problem. After controlling for demographic and other factors, depressive symptoms emerge as the most important element enhancing problem recognition; being female and having more education also enhance recognition of depressive problems and enable people to distinguish depressive from other problems. Among those with a high level of depressive symptoms, only one third had consulted a mental health service in the prior year. Factors promoting use of mental health services among those who acknowledge a personal problem include depressive symptoms, prior use of mental health services, use of services by friends and relatives, and discussion with friends and relatives about counseling; no significant effects emerge for sex, age, education, income, or insurance coverage. Data from the untreated show that a self-reliant attitude and some practical barriers prevent people with depressive symptoms from obtaining professional help.
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012737:Sex Factors; D012928:Social Desirability