What Does the Public Know About Varying Depression Severity?–Results of a Population Survey

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we examine the public’s knowledge about different levels of depression severity in Germany.Methods: Data stem from a national telephone survey in Germany. A total of 1,009 persons participated, response rate was 46.8%. A vignette was presented with signs of mild, moderate or severe depression. Participants were asked what they think the person has, which persons and services are helpful and how effective different treatment options are. Differences between the three vignettes were tested with 95% confidence intervals and χ2-tests.Results: 55.3% of the respondents identified depression as the health problem in question. Participants who heard the vignette with moderate symptomatology recognized depression more often. Across groups, a general practitioner was named most frequently concerning helpful persons/services. Effectiveness of psychotherapy received high levels of approval, online therapy and books were less often rated as effective. There were only few significant differences between the three vignettes.Conclusions: This is the first study examining public depression literacy for different severity levels. Small differences between severity levels indicate a lack of knowledge, which may have adverse consequences for adherence to treatment, especially for mild depression.

Intendierte Inanspruchnahme von Versorgungsangeboten bei psychischen Erkrankungen mit unterschiedlicher Dringlichkeit

“…Weitere Vignettenstudien zeigten, dass Hausärzt*innen häufig bei Depression 13 14 und Schizophrenie empfohlen wurden 13 . Analysen von Versorgungsdaten zeigten ebenfalls, dass viele Patient:innen mit psychischen Erkrankungen durch Allgemeinmedizininer*innen oder Fachärzt*innen anderer somatischer Disziplinen behandelt wurden 22 .…”

“…Einer weiteren Vignettenstudie zufolge waren Hausärzt*innen bei schweren, mittelschweren und leichten Depressionen am häufigsten hilfreiche Ansprechpartner*innen. Weitere häufige Nennungen waren Psycholog* innen sowie Freund*innen und Familie [14]. Es ist allerdings bisher wenig darüber bekannt, an wen sich die erwachsene Allgemeinbevölkerung in Abhängigkeit vom Schweregrad der Beschwerden im Falle einer schizophrenen Psychose, alkoholbezogenen oder depressiven Störung als erstes wenden würde.…”

Perceived treatment urgency of common mental disorders in the German population

“…In terms of depression literacy, several studies on recognition of depression exist. For example, in a German study using vignettes, many respondents were able to recognize depression 18 . With regard to all three mental disorders, there is a lack on research of perceived treatment urgency in the general population.…”