Major depression and its associated morbidity and quality of life in a random, representative Australian community sample

The objective of this study is to describe health services utilisation and morbidity, including health-related quality of life, in those with major depression in a random and representative sample of the population. Data were gathered in a Health Omnibus Survey of the South Australian population. Major depression was delineated on the basis of responses to the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. Information about use of health services and absence from usual functioning was collated, and two measures of health-related quality of life, the Short-form Health Status Questionnaire and the Assessment of Quality of Life were also administered. Results of those with major depression were compared with those who had other depressive syndromes and those who had no depression. Those with major depression reported significantly greater use of all health services and poorer functioning in terms of carrying out their normal duties. Similarly, their health-related quality of life was significantly poorer than those with other depressive syndromes, which in turn was significantly poorer than those who were not depressed. Only one-fifth of those with major depression were currently taking antidepressants. These results are consistent with international studies. In addition to the potential for alleviating the depressive symptomatology of individuals, it is evident that even a modest improvement in functioning with appropriate treatment would have the potential to benefit the Australian community by one billion dollars a year.