current scope of the problem among leading healthcare systems across the country that are striving to improve depression care in primary care settings,” Waitzfelder said in a Kaiser Permanente news release.
“Screening for depression in primary care is a positive step toward improving detection, treatment, and outcome for depression, but disparities persist,” she said. “We need a better understanding of the patient and other factors that influence treatment initiation.”
Each year, more than 16 million U.S. adults experience major depression.
“Over the last decade, there has been a growing effort to raise awareness about mental health and to integrate mental health care into primary care,” Waitzfelder said.
“This is a positive development since most people receive care from primary care providers,” she added. “However, our study shows there is a lot more work to do to understand why many depressed patients do not begin treatment.”
It may be hard to come to terms with being diagnosed with depression as an African American. However, with the right support and follow through to receiving treatment, inner issues within the black community can finally start to heal. Find out more about depression and your options on BlackDoctor.org, here.
SOURCE: Kaiser Permanente, news release, Feb. 8, 2018