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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 8/2017

01-08-2017 | Original Paper

Trends in non-help-seeking for mental disorders in Germany between 1997–1999 and 2009–2012: a repeated cross-sectional study

Authors: Susanne Brandstetter, Frank Dodoo-Schittko, Sven Speerforck, Christian Apfelbacher, Hans-Jörgen Grabe, Frank Jacobi, Ulfert Hapke, Georg Schomerus, Sebastian E. Baumeister

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 8/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

This study sought to examine trends in non-help-seeking for mental disorders among persons with a prevalent mental disorder (12-month prevalence) in Germany between 1997–1999 and 2009–2012.

Methods

We examined data from 1909 persons aged 18–65 years who participated in two independent, repeated cross-sectional surveys (German National Interview and Examination Study 1997–1999, German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2009–2012) conducted 12 years apart. Prevalent mental disorders (12-month prevalence) were determined using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, which included information on lifetime help-seeking for mental health problems. Correlates of self-reported help-seeking were analyzed according to Andersen’s Behavioral Model. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to assess time trends in the directly standardized and model-adjusted prevalence of non-help-seeking across strata of socio-economic and clinical variables.

Results

The proportion of people with a prevalent mental disorder who have never sought help in their lifetime decreased significantly from 62% (95% CI 58.7–64.7) to 57% (95% CI 52.2–60.9) between 1997–1999 and 2009–2012 in adults aged 18–65 years in Germany. Downward trends in non-help-seeking occurred in all investigated strata and reached statistical significance in women, in people who were living alone, people with medium educational level, people living in middle-sized communities, people with non-statutory health insurance, smokers, and people with co-existing somatic conditions.

Conclusion

Despite a downward trend over the course of 12 years, a large proportion of people suffering from mental disorders are still not seeking treatment in Germany. Further efforts to increase uptake of help-seeking for mental disorders in hard-to-reach groups are warranted to continue this trend.
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Metadata
Title
Trends in non-help-seeking for mental disorders in Germany between 1997–1999 and 2009–2012: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors
Susanne Brandstetter
Frank Dodoo-Schittko
Sven Speerforck
Christian Apfelbacher
Hans-Jörgen Grabe
Frank Jacobi
Ulfert Hapke
Georg Schomerus
Sebastian E. Baumeister
Publication date
01-08-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 8/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-017-1384-y

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