Demographic differences in medication use among individuals with self-reported major depression

In a nationally representative household-based sample, more than one-third of those who identified themselves as having major depression reported not taking any medications in the last year. Male gender, minority status, excellent health, and being at either end of the age continuum were associated with nonuse of medication. Lower-income, widowed, and never-married individuals showed a trend toward being less likely to use medication. The results suggest the need to further assess the role of potential factors in the limited use of medication among various demographic subgroups of individuals who identify themselves as being depressed.