Depression and Its Treatment in a US Urban Community—1975-1976

Abstract

• Data on the current prevalence of depression and its treatment derive from a longitudinal community survey conducted in 1975-1976 in New Haven, Conn. The results show the high prevalence of depression based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria. While persons with a depression use the psychiatric and general medical health care systems more frequently than those without a depression, the overall number of those who see a psychiatrist, receive a tricyclic antidepressant, or receive any treatment for their emotional problems from any source is low. Persons with a depression who do not receive treatment especially for their emotional problems make relatively frequent visits to nonpsychiatric physicians. Men and older persons who are depressed receive the least treatment.