Comorbidity of major depressive episode and chronic physical conditions in Spain, a country with low prevalence of depression.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives were to describe the comorbidity between 12-month major depressive episode (MDE) and chronic physical condition (CPC) in Spain, a Latin country with relatively low prevalence of depression.


METHODS
The European Study of Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD)-Spain is a cross-sectional, general-population, household survey representative of the Spanish noninstitutionalized adult population (N=5473). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used for assessing mental disorders. CPCs were assessed among a subsample (N=2121) with a standardized checklist. Logistic regression analysis was performed. ESEMeD-Spain is part of the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys.


RESULTS
Among those with CPC, the prevalence of MDE was 5.9%, and the odds ratio (OR) of comorbid MDE was 2.2 compared with those without CPC. The strongest association with MDE was for respiratory disorders (OR up to 7.8). Having an MDE increased notably the odds of disability among those with a CPC (ORs ranged from 3.6 to 23.0). The likelihood of receiving treatment for the MDE was similar irrespective of having or not comorbid CPC.


CONCLUSIONS
Results show intense associations among MDE and CPC. Compared to other developed countries, higher likehoods of comorbidity and more severe impacts on disability are found in specific comorbid conditions. These findings highlight the need to improve the treatment of MDE in those with a CPC in Spain.
Public Mental Health Network of Gipuzkoa, Osakidetza, Donostia, Spain.
Andrea
A
Gabilondo
Gemma
G
Vilagut
Alejandra
A
Pinto-Meza
Josep Maria
JM
Haro
Jordi
J
Alonso
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology