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Association between over-indebtedness and antidepressant use: A cross-sectional analysis
Jacqueline Warth1, Niklas Beckmann1, Marie-Therese Puth1,2
1Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Plos One
|July 25, 2020
Summary
Over-indebted individuals in Germany are significantly more likely to use antidepressants than the general population. This highlights a critical link between financial distress and mental health, necessitating integrated support services.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health Research
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
Background:
- While depression's impact is known, over-indebtedness research is limited despite its prevalence across socioeconomic statuses.
- Previous studies indicate a correlation between over-indebtedness and adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between over-indebtedness and antidepressant use within the German population.
- To quantify the relationship between financial distress and mental health treatment seeking.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of clients from debt advice agencies in Germany (OID) was conducted.
- Data were merged with the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) for comparison.
- Logistic regression analysis examined antidepressant use in relation to over-indebtedness, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- Antidepressant use was higher in the over-indebted group (12.3%) compared to the general population (5.0%).
- Over-indebted individuals showed a significantly higher likelihood of antidepressant use (aOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.35-2.48) after adjusting for confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between over-indebtedness and antidepressant use in Germany.
- Healthcare, debt counselling, and policymakers should address the intersection of debt and mental illness to reduce health inequalities.
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