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Prevalence, impairment and severity of 12-month DSM-IV major depressive episodes in Te Rau Hinengaro: New Zealand Mental Health Survey 2003/4
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 03:25 authored by Scott, KM, Browne, MAO, Wells, JEObjective: To assess the prevalence, symptom severity, functional impairment and treatment of major depressive episodes in the New Zealand population, in light of recent criticism that depression is ‘over-diagnosed’, especially in community surveys. Method: Nationally representative cross-sectional household survey of 12 992 adults (aged 16+): The New Zealand Mental Health Survey 2003/4. 12-month major depressive episode measured in face-to-face interviews with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0). Results: The 12-month prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) was 6.6% for the total population, with decreasing prevalence with increasing age, and higher prevalence in females (8.1% versus 4.9% in males). Fewer than 10% of 12-month episodes were classified on a symptom severity rating scale as mild, and 69% of all episodes were accompanied by severe impairment in at least one domain of functioning. Only a third of those with severe impairment received treatment in the mental health sector, and half saw a general medical practitioner. Conclusion: These results offer little support for the suggestion that depression is over-diagnosed and over-treated, and that current diagnostic thresholds allow the inclusion of too many mild episodes in community surveys.
History
Publication title
Australian and New Zealand Journal of PsychiatryVolume
44Issue
8Pagination
750-758ISSN
0004-8674Department/School
Tasmanian School of MedicinePublisher
Blackwell Publishing AsiaPlace of publication
54 University St, P O Box 378, Carlton, Australia, Victoria, 3053Rights statement
© 2010 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of PsychiatristsRepository Status
- Restricted