Depression Treatment Gap Widens in Poorer Neighborhoods, Study Finds

<p>Background</p><p>Population-based surveys suggest that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, while their healthcare utilization is not necessarily higher.</p><p>Objective</p><p>To investigate the association between neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) and healthcare utilization among individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).</p><p>Method</p><p>This was a retrospective longitudinal study of all adults with a first MDD diagnosis within primary care during 2010–2018. NSES was defined by the household area of residence using the Mosaic™ classification. Outcomes were AD (antidepressants) (N06A) dispensation and psychiatric outpatient visit, both of which are outlined as options in depression guidelines. Cox multivariable regression was used for the time to event analyses.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 117,193 individuals were included, of which 87,499 (75 %) were dispensed an AD and 35,989 (31 %) had a recorded psychiatric outpatient visit. Low NSES was associated with lower rate of AD dispensation in the first-year post-diagnosis (HR: 0.95, 95 % CI: 0.93–0.96, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) and higher rate of psychiatric visit (HR: 1.10, 95 % CI: 1.07–1.12, p &lt; 0.001) compared with high NSES.</p><p>Limitations</p><p>Data sources have high coverage. A minority of psychiatric care provided by non-publicly financed providers was not included. It was not possible to adjust for depression severity.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Socioeconomic status as measured by the neighborhood of residency was associated with AD dispensation and psychiatric outpatient visit in MDD, also in a healthcare system with virtually free access. This is of relevance for clinical practice, considering the focus on equity of care and the increase in depression prevalence worldwide.</p>