Carmine Munizza|Piergiorgio Argentero|Alessandro Coppo|Giuseppe Tibaldi|Massimo Di Giannantonio|Rocco Luigi Picci|Paola Rucci
Public Beliefs and Attitudes towards Depression in Italy: A National Survey
University of Pavia|University of Chieti-Pescara|University of Turin|University of Bologna
background previous studies shown attitudes towards depression may influenced countryspecific social cultural factors survey carried collect beliefs attitudes toward depression italy established communitybased mental health system methods telephone survey carried probabilistic sample aged 15 years 20item questionnaire administered explore knowledge depression stigma causal beliefs treatment preference helpseeking attitudes results 1001 participants 98 aware depression 62 experienced either directly indirectly widespread belief 75 people suffering depression avoid talking problem minority sample viewed depression condition managed without recourse external help socially dangerous illness among perceived causes depression respondents mentioned life stressors physical strains psychologists often indicated adequate source professional help half sample believed depression pharmacologically treated drugs often seen addictive referring primary care physician pcp considered embarrassing furthermore many people thought pcps busy treat patients suffering depression conclusions findings indicate depression seen reaction significant life events overcome support significant others help health professionals mainly psychologists however still barriers disclosure depressive symptoms pcps concerns addictive effect antidepressants presence gap peoples beliefs health professionals consider appropriate treatment depression shared decision making approach treatment selection adopted taking account patients preference psychological interventions ensure active compliance effective treatments