Unmet Need for the Treatment of Depression in Atlantic Canada

This study examined the determinants of untreated depression in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Logistic regression models explored the prevalence of depression & associated patterns of mental health service use among population subgroups. Of the 17,836 respondents, 7.3% experienced major depression in the previous year. Only 40% of respondents with probable depression reported any consultation about their condition with a general practitioner or mental health specialist. Depression-specific need variables, chronic depression & suicide ideation, were significantly associated with over twice the odds of speciality mental health care. (29 refs.)