State-based differences in the prevalence and characteristics of untreated persons with serious psychological distress.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the state-based prevalence of serious psychological distress (SPD) and its treatment using the Kessler-6 scale.


METHODS
SPD and treatment data were obtained from 202,114 respondents in the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Mental Illness and Stigma Module in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.


RESULTS
Approximately 4.0 % of persons in the 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had SPD. The prevalence estimates ranged from 2.3 % in Iowa to 6.6 % in Mississippi. Among persons with SPD, 53.4 % were currently untreated, ranging from 33.3 % in Alaska to 67.0 % in Hawaii.


CONCLUSIONS
Mental health parity and a multidimensional approach to healthcare with extensive referrals between mental and physical healthcare is warranted.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. tws2@cdc.gov
Tara W
TW
Strine
Satvinder S
SS
Dhingra
Catherine A
CA
Okoro
Matthew M
MM
Zack
Lina S
LS
Balluz
Joyce T
JT
Berry
Ali H
AH
Mokdad
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult