Treatment-seeking rates and associated mediating factors among individuals with depression.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the literature with respect to treatment-seeking rates for depression and associated mediating factors. This review focuses on adolescents and adults of all ages.


METHODS
A structured literature review using Medline and PsychInfo databases revealed 38 relevant papers. Two trained reviewers independently and blindly assessed each study according to 4 inclusion criteria. A total of 17 papers met all 4 criteria.


RESULTS
Between 17.0% and 77.8% of individuals with depressive episodes or disorders sought treatment in these studies. We could explain the range in rates by diverse measures of depression, mediating factors that influence treatment-seeking, varied years in which the studies were done, and different time periods over which treatment-seeking was assessed.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment-seeking rates for major depression appear to have increased over the years. Age, race, social supports, and clinical and psychiatric factors seem to influence treatment-seeking rates most. Public health initiatives can use this information to facilitate service access and delivery.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*