title: Depression Treatment Among Rural Older Adults: Preferences and Factors Influencing Future Service Use.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate depression treatment preferences and anticipated service use in a sample of adults aged 55 years or older who reside in rural Wyoming. Sixteen participants (mean age = 59) completed 30- to 60-minute, semi-structured interviews. Qualitative methods were used to characterize common themes. Social/provider support and community gatekeepers were perceived by participants as important potential facilitators for seeking depression treatment. In contrast, perceived stigma and the value placed on self-sufficiency emerged as key barriers to seeking treatment for depression in this rural, young-old sample. Participants anticipated presenting for treatment in the primary care sector and preferred a combination of medication and psychotherapy for treatment. Participants were, however, more willing to see mental health professionals if they were first referred by a clergy member or primary care physician.
authors.affiliation: University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
authors.forename: Katherine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Kitchen
authors.affiliation: University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
authors.forename: Christine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: McKibbin
authors.affiliation: University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Wykes
authors.affiliation: University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Carrico
authors.affiliation: University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
authors.forename: Katelynn A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: McConnell
keywords: aging; depression; therapies