Incidence of medically treated depression in Denmark among individuals 15–44 years old: a comprehensive overview based on population registers. (8th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Musliner, K. L.; Liu, X.; Gasse, C.; Christensen, K. S.; Wimberley, T.; Munk‐Olsen, T.
• Is Part Of: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Volume 139:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 548
• Page End: 557
• Publication Date: 2019-04-08
• Subjects: depression -- treatment -- general practice -- antidepressives -- epidemiology; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/acps.13028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-690X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Examine the overall incidence of medically treated depression in Denmark among individuals 15–44 years old, and estimate the 5‐year cumulative incidence of psychiatric hospital care among individuals treated first in non‐hospital‐based care. Methods: We followed all individuals born in Denmark between 1969 and 1998 from age 15 or 2006 (whichever came first) until first depression treatment; death; emigration; or December 31, 2013. Incidence rates were estimated using Poisson regression. Cumulative incidence of hospital care following treatment in non‐hospital care was estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: In this sample of 2 014 760 individuals, incidence rates of depression in non‐hospital and hospital‐based care in 2012–2013 were 6.6 (95% Confidence Interval: 6.5–6.7) per 1000 person‐years and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.5–1.6) per 1000 person‐years, respectively. Overall, 85–90% of first medical treatment for depression took place outside of psychiatric hospitals, but a quarter (26.3%) of individuals treated for depression received hospital care initially or within 5 years. Incidence of hospital care was higher in women and younger individuals. Conclusions: Most medical treatment for depression in Denmark takes place in non‐hospital settings. Women and younger individuals are more likely to receive hospital care both initially and within 5 years after first antidepressant treatment.