Comparison of Treated and Untreated Major Depressive Disorder in a Nationwide Sample of Korean Adults

Abstract

We examined factors associated with lifetime treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in a nationwide sample of Korean adults. Of the 6,510 subjects aged 18-64 years who participated in the Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area study, 362 (5.6%) with a lifetime diagnosis of MDD were analyzed. Diagnostic assessments were based on the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview administered by lay interviewers. Of the 362 respondents with a lifetime diagnosis of MDD, 117 (32.3%) had been treated for psychiatric problems. Treated individuals with MDD were more likely to have chronic episode(s), more symptoms of depression, insomnia, and suicidal ideation, and were less likely to have feelings of guilt. In addition, treated individuals were more likely to have comorbid anxiety disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment-seeking by individuals with MDD is affected by socio-cultural factors such as misconception and stigma of mental illness, as well as severity of depression and comorbid conditions.

Prescription Pattern of Antidepressants for Children and Adolescents in Korea Based on Nationwide Data

“…The total prescription prevalence of 1.1% is much higher than that in Western European countries (0.11%–0.54%), although the rate falls slightly short of that in the US or Canada (1.54%–1.8%). The antidepressant prescription prevalence among Korean youths in our study appears rather high, in spite of the relatively low mental health literacy and general mental health care utilization in Korea ( 14 ) and the narrow indication for pediatric antidepressant prescription. This could be partly explained by a high prevalence of depressive disorder in Korean youths, compared with the international estimation of depressive disorder prevalence ( 15 ); one epidemiologic study reported a 7.4% prevalence of depressive disorder in youths ( 16 ), and 25.5% of Korean adolescents report experiencing sadness or hopelessness severe enough to impair functioning for at least two weeks during the past year, on a nationwide web-based survey ( 17 ).…”

Sources of Psychological Support for East Asians Reporting a Low Level of Mental Health

“…Only about 14% of the respondents reported having used professional mental health services as a support resource at least sometimes. Previous studies on the use of professional mental health services in East Asia indicate similar findings (Park et al, 2012;Xiang, Yu, Sartorius, Ungvari, & Chiu, 2012). One plausible explanation of such finding is the scarcity of qualified, trained mental health professional assistance.…”

The correlates of stigma toward mental illness among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder

“…The current study has important implications for psychiatric nursing practice. The stigma of mental illness is considered one of the most important factors that influence attitudes toward seeking psychiatric treatment and considered a barrier that hinders adherence to psychiatric treatment . Subsequently, psychiatric nurses should consider providing continuous support for patients with major depression and encourage their adherence to treatment plans.…”

“…The stigma of mental illness is considered one of the most important factors that influence attitudes toward seeking psychiatric treatment and considered a barrier that hinders adherence to psychiatric treatment. 36 The outcomes of the current study should be interpreted considering the following limitations. The data were collected from a convenience sample accessed from outpatient psychiatric clinic in the north of Jordan.…”