Journal of Depression and Anxiety
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-1044
ISSN: 2167-1044
Amanda Barusch
New Zealand
Research Article
Attitudes toward Seeking Treatment for Depression among Community Dwelling Elders in a Western City in the United States
Author(s): Frances Wilby MSW and Amanda BaruschFrances Wilby MSW and Amanda Barusch
Background: A fraction of older adults who experience depression seek professional treatment. We know a good deal about the adverse consequences of untreated depression, but considerably less about attitudes toward treatment as they are perceived by the elders themselves.
Purpose: This study was conducted to examine attitudes towards professional treatment from the perspectives of older adults living in the community with clinically significant depressive symptoms as measured by the CES-D.
Method: Twenty five respondents from a random sample of 91 reported significant levels of depressive symptomatology. Among the 25, only eight indicated that they would seek treatment. The remaining 17 participants were asked to delineate their reasons for not seeking treatment.
Results: Their responses sugges.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2167-1044.1000114