Study Examines Why Many Young Adults Refuse Treatment For Depression

Twenty-five percent of adolescents and young adults will experience a depressive episode by age 24, yet fewer than 20
percent receive high-quality care. In a cross-sectional study of 10,962 young adults aged 16 to 29 years with significant
depressive symptoms, more than one quarter (26 percent) of the participants said they did not intend to accept their
physician's diagnosis of depression.


The authors uncovered a number of reasons why these patients refused the diagnosis of depression. Among the most important
reasons were the belief that the treatment does not work, concern about the stigma from family and friends, and lack of past
helpful treatment experiences.


These findings suggest that negative attitudes and concerns about stigma may be important barriers to youth accepting and
complying with treatment. The authors assert that improved reimbursement to primary care physicians for visits in which they
negotiate diagnosis and treatment plans with depressed patients could improve treatment rates.


Beliefs and Attitudes Associated with the Intention Not to Accept the Diagnosis of Depression Among Young Adults

By Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, M.D., M.P.H., et al


Angela Lower - aloweraafp

American Academy of Family Physicians


January/February Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet


Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new,
evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six
family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Practice, the
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Practice
Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. The journal is published six times each year and
contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on
methodology and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the
sponsoring organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups can be accessed free
of charge on the journal's Web site, American Academy of Family
Physicians.