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Double depression in an Australian population
Robert D Goldney1, Laura J Fisher
1Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, The Adelaide Clinic, 33 Park Terrace, Gilberton, South Australia 5081. robert.goldney@adelaide.edu.au
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|November 19, 2004
Summary
Double depression (dysthymia with superimposed major depression) affects 2.2% of the Australian population, leading to significantly poorer quality of life and high healthcare service use. More effective interventions are needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Double depression, defined as dysthymia with superimposed major depression, represents a significant public health concern.
- This condition imposes a considerable burden on the community, yet its prevalence and impact within Australia remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the prevalence and characteristics of double depression in a representative Australian population.
- To assess the associated morbidity, treatment-seeking behaviors, and quality of life in individuals with double depression.
Main Methods:
- A random, representative sample of the South Australian population was surveyed.
- Trained interviewers administered the mood module of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD), the Short-Form Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36), and the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL).
- Data on treatment utilization and role functioning were collected.
Main Results:
- Double depression was identified in 2.2% of the surveyed population.
- Individuals with double depression exhibited high treatment-seeking rates (90% in the last month) and antidepressant use (42.4%).
- A statistically significant poorer quality of life was reported by those with double depression compared to the general population.
Conclusions:
- The 2.2% of the population experiencing double depression demonstrate high service utilization alongside impaired functioning and health-related quality of life.
- There is a critical need for the development and implementation of more effective intervention strategies to address double depression.