• Jona T Stahmeyer, Caroline Märtens, Daniela Eidt-Koch, Kai G Kahl, Jan Zeidler, and Sveja Eberhard.
• AOK Niedersachsen, F1-Division of Politics, Research, and Public Relations, Hannover; Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Health Care Sciences, Wolfsburg; Hannover Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover; Leibniz University Hannover, Center for Health Economics Research Hannover (CHERH), Institute of Health Economics (IHE), Hannover.
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2022 Jul 1; 119 (26): 458465458-465.

BackgroundDepression is one of the most common mental illnesses. There are well-known deficiencies in the care of patients with depression, particularly at the interfaces between health service areas or sectors. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics and state of care of persons with a diagnosis of depression.MethodsThe analysis was based on diagnosis and billing data obtained from a statutory health insurance carrier in Germany. Patients carrying a diagnosis of depression in 2018 (ICD-10 F32, F33, F34.1) were identified and studied with respect to their utilization of care services for depression. Sociodemographic characteristics and the degree of severity of depression were also taken into account.ResultsMore than 285 000 individuals with a diagnosis of depression were included in the analysis. Their mean age was 57.5 years, and 67.5% were female. About three-quarters had at least one comorbid mental disorder. Primary care physicians were involved in the treatment of depression for 82.8% of patients with severe depression; 41.1% of such patients had contact with a medical specialist, and 9.2% with a psychologist-psychotherapist. Antidepressants were prescribed for 60.3% of patients with severe depression, and 10.2% were receiving psychotherapeutic services in accordance with the psychotherapy directive.ConclusionOur findings point to existing deficiencies in the care of patients with depression, particularly in the establishment of the diagnosis and in the assessment of disease severity. These are essential matters for the initiation of guideline-oriented therapy and therefore deserve to be more strongly emphasized in continuing medical education.

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