Cited by 1,061Mental Health Treatment and AccessAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesTreatment of Major Depression

The quality of care for depressive and anxiety disorders in the United States

Young, Alexander S., Klap, Ruth, Sherbourne, Cathy D., Wells, Kenneth B.·2001·Archives of General Psychiatry

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depressive and anxiety disorders are prevalent and cause substantial morbidity. While effective treatments exist, little is known about the quality of care for these disorders nationally. We estimated the rate of appropriate treatment among the US population with these disorders, and the effect of insurance, provider type, and individual characteristics on receipt of appropriate care. METHODS: Data are from a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted during 1997 and 1998 with a national sample. Respondents consisted of 1636 adults with a probable 12-month depressive or anxiety disorder as determined by brief diagnostic interview. Appropriate treatment was defined as present if the respondent had used medication or counseling that was consistent with treatment guidelines. RESULTS: During a 1-year period, 83% of adults with a probable depressive or anxiety disorder saw a health care provider (95% confidence interval [CI], 81%-85%) and 30% received some appropriate treatment (95% CI, 28%-33%). Most visited primary care providers only. Appropriate care was received by 19% in this group (95% CI, 16%-23%) and by 90% of individuals visiting mental health specialists (95% CI, 85%-94%). Appropriate treatment was less likely for men and those who were black, less educated, or younger than 30 or older than 59 years (range, 19-97 years). Insurance and income had no effect on receipt of appropriate care. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to evaluate mental health care quality on a national basis. Most adults with a probable depressive or anxiety disorder do not receive appropriate care for their disorder. While this holds across diverse groups, appropriate care is less common in certain demographic subgroups.

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Crossref · 10.1001/archpsyc.58.1.55

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Authors
Young, A. S., Klap, R., Sherbourne, C. D., & Wells, K. B.
Affiliations
University of California, Los Angeles (US)
Venue
Archives of General Psychiatry
Published
2001-01-01
Volume
58
Issue
1
Pages
55
ISSN
0003-990X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2167477924
Cited by
1,061
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 24 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 36 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 41 · 2015: 41 · 2014: 47 · 2013: 61 · 2012: 55
FWCI
98.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Archives of General Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (P50-MH54623, P50MH054623)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
Keywords
depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, mental health care quality, treatment utilization, primary care, mental health professionals, health insurance, demographic disparities, access to mental health care, United States
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anxiety Disorders, Counseling, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depressive Disorder, Female, Health Services Research, Humans, Male, Mental Health Services, Middle Aged, Psychotropic Drugs, Quality of Health Care, United States, Dysthymic Disorder

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