title: Why may older people with depression not present to primary care? Messages from secondary analysis of qualitative data.
abstract: Depression in older people is common, under-recognised and often undertreated. This study aimed to explore the reasons why older people with depression may not present to primary care. Secondary analysis was carried out, of qualitative data collected in two previous studies in North-West England. Older people are reluctant to recognise and name 'depression' as a set of symptoms that legitimises attending their general practitioner (GP). They do not consider themselves candidates for help for their distress. This is partly due to perceptions of the role of the GP but also to previous negative experiences of help seeking. In addition, treatments offered, which are predominantly biomedical, may not be acceptable to older people. Interventions offered to older people need to encourage social engagement, such as befriending, and enhancement of creative, physical and social activity.
authors.affiliation: Health Sciences Research Group - Primary Care, School of Community-Based Medicine, University of Manchester, UK. carolyn.chew-graham@manchester.ac.uk
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chew-Graham
authors.forename: Marija
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kovandžić
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gask
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Burroughs
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sanderson
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dowrick
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support