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- Title
Why may older people with depression not present to primary care? Messages from secondary analysis of qualitative data.
- Authors
Chew‐Graham, Carolyn; Kovandžić, Marija; Gask, Linda; Burroughs, Heather; Clarke, Pamela; Sanderson, Helen; Dowrick, Christopher
- Abstract
Depression in older people is common, under-recognised and often undertreated. This study aimed to explore the reasons why older people with depression may not present to primary care. Secondary analysis was carried out, of qualitative data collected in two previous studies in North-West England. Older people are reluctant to recognise and name 'depression' as a set of symptoms that legitimises attending their general practitioner (GP). They do not consider themselves candidates for help for their distress. This is partly due to perceptions of the role of the GP but also to previous negative experiences of help seeking. In addition, treatments offered, which are predominantly biomedical, may not be acceptable to older people. Interventions offered to older people need to encourage social engagement, such as befriending, and enhancement of creative, physical and social activity.
- Subjects
ENGLAND; MENTAL depression; THERAPEUTICS; ELDER care; COMPARATIVE studies; CONCEPTUAL structures; HELP-seeking behavior; INTERVIEWING; RESEARCH methodology; PRIMARY health care; RESEARCH funding; QUALITATIVE research; SECONDARY analysis; ATTITUDES toward mental illness; OLD age
- Publication
Health & Social Care in the Community, 2012, Vol 20, Issue 1, p52
- ISSN
0966-0410
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2524.2011.01015.x