Health status, resource consumption, and costs of dysthymic patients in Italian primary care

To describe the health status, resource consumption and costs of patients with dysthymic disorder in the Italian primary care setting.

A total of 79 general practitioners (GPs) participated the study. Diagnosis was based on each GP's clinical assessment. At entry the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used as a supporting diagnostic aid. Health status was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire. Resource consumption and costs regarded the six months before enrolment.

Out of 598 patients enrolled by GPs according to their clinical assessment, 503 fulfilled the MINI criteria and 95 did not. The latter had a better perception of their health than the former. Resource consumption was similar in the two groups; and the total per patient six-month costs did not differ significantly.

The study confirms there may be a gap between standardised criteria for defining dysthymia and everyday clinical practice. All dysthymic patients diagnosed by GPs might be considered together from a health policy perspective.