Self-rated depression and physician-diagnosed depression and anxiety in Florida adults: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2006.

INTRODUCTION

Our purpose was to determine the prevalence and correlates of self-reported symptoms of depression and physician-diagnosed depression and anxiety in Florida adults by using the 2006 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

METHODS

The BRFSS is an ongoing, state-based telephone health survey of noninstitutionalized adults that uses random-digit dialing. In 2006, an Anxiety and Depression Module was administered in Florida. Eight questions were used to examine current depression. Two additional questions assessed health care provider diagnosis of depressive and anxiety disorders. We used SUDAAN version 9.0 to evaluate the data to accommodate the complex sampling design.

RESULTS

Approximately 9% of Florida adults experienced current depression; about 13% had had a diagnosis of depression in their lifetime and 11% had a diagnosis of anxiety in their lifetime. Approximately 44% of respondents with current depression had not had a diagnosis of depression. Current depression and lifetime diagnosis of depression and anxiety were independently associated with sociodemographic variables (being a woman, young, previously married or never married, or unemployed or unable to work), adverse health behaviors (current or former smoking, physical inactivity, or obesity), and chronic health conditions (history of a stroke, diabetes, or asthma). Although the prevalence of depression among non-Hispanic blacks and people with low education levels is higher, members of these groups are less likely than members of other sociodemographic groups to have had depression diagnosed by a physician.

CONCLUSION

Depression and anxiety are associated with sociodemographic disadvantages and chronic conditions and risk factors. Knowing the prevalence of depression and anxiety, both self-rated and physician-diagnosed, is useful in identifying unmet mental health needs among subpopulations.