Factors associated with perceived feasibility and willingness of non-psychiatric doctors in Japan to treat depressed patients

Int J Psychiatry Med. 2013;46(2):153-67. doi: 10.2190/PM.46.2.c.

Abstract

Objectives: We previously reported that many non-psychiatric doctors in Japan believe that treating depression was not part of their duties. Educational interventions must address motivation of physicians to play a role in depression care. In this study, we explored factors associated with perceived feasibility and willingness of non-psychiatric doctors in Japan to treat depression.

Methods: The study population included non-psychiatric doctors of the General Physician-Psychiatrist (G-P) Network group in Japan. We explored perceived feasibility and willingness to treat depressed patients, and examined preliminary associations with attitudes toward depression (the Depression Attitude Questionnaire: DAQ) and current depression treatment in routine medical practice.

Results: Responses were obtained from 56 non-psychiatric doctors (response rate: 35.4%). The doctors who scored high on the "Professional" and "Pessimism" subscale of the DAQ believed that treating depressed patients was not feasible (chi2 = 13.6, p < 0.01; chi2 = 7.3, p < 0.05, respectively) and were not willing to treat depressed patients (chi2 = 9.4, p < 0.01; chi2 = 6.6, p < 0.05, respectively) as part of their routine medical practice. The doctors who scored high on the "Professional" subscale referred fewer depressed patients to psychiatrists (r = -0.33, p < 0.05), and those who scored high on the "Pessimism" subscale recognized fewer depressed patients (r = -0.39, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The present study showed that attitudes toward depression were associated with perceived feasibility and willingness to treat depressed patients and with under-diagnosis of depression. Educational interventions optimized for these attitudes should be developed to improve recognition and treatment of depression in Japan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physicians / psychology*
  • Physicians / standards