Patient characteristics associated with the use of antidepressants among people diagnosed with DSM-IV mood disorders: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. However, research on antidepressant usage patterns in a large nationally representative sample is limited. Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to examine factors associated with the use of antidepressants in patients with DSM-IV mood disorders, and (2) to determine reasons for inadequate and non-persistent medication taking behaviors. Research design and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) dataset in the U.S. People within the dataset with DSM-IV mood disorders were qualified as the sample population (n=1798). Selected factors based on the Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use were assessed among antidepressant users (n=473) and nonusers (n=1322). The logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the dependent variable, the use of antidepressants, and the independent variables, predisposing, enabling and need factors. Descriptive statistics were used to determine reasons of inadequate and non-persistent medication taking behaviors. Results: Antidepressant use was more prevalent in patients who were middle age (30-59) (p