What is the average amount of time from the onset of a major depressive disorder to the individual’s first treatment?

Answer: D - 8 years.

In the June issue of Health Affairs, Olfson (2016) discusses the barriers in accessing mental health care such as stigma, geographic location, economic factors, and many more¹. In Olfson’s review of previous studies, researchers found a gap of approximately 8 years between the onset of a major depressive disorder and the first treatment.

Olfson also comments on the issue regarding primary care, noting that while mental health conditions are frequently presented in a primary cares setting, PCPs are often unable to secure referrals for their patients. In an international survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund in 2015, 84% of primary care physicians in the United States did not feel capable of handling serious mental health conditions². As a solution regarding mental health issues inhibiting effective healthcare, Benefit Performance Associates (BPA) has developed an integrated whole-person approach to address both physical and mental conditions.

BPA, home of the Integrated Health Advocacy Program (IHAP), has established a program of improved patient care through the use of a multidisciplinary team of health advocates³. With the implementation of IHAP, participants experience higher quality healthcare, work in collaboration with their team of advocates, and receive education and ongoing support for all of their conditions. To learn more about these results, contact Maria E. J. Kuhn at mkuhn@ihap.com, or visit www.ihap.com.

REFERENCES:
1 Olfson, M. (2016).Building the Mental Health Workforce Capacity Needed to Treat Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses. Health Affairs, Jun. 2016 35(6): 983-990.

2 Osborn, R., Moulds, D., Schneider, E. C., et al. (2015). Primary Care Physicians in Ten Countries Report Challenges in Caring for Patients with Complex Health Needs. Health Affairs, Dec. 2015 34(12):2104–12.

3 Krause, C.M., Jones, C.S., Kuhn, M.E.J., Joyce, S., Curtin, K., Murphy, L. P., Krause, C.M.J., Boan, B. K., & Lucas, D. R. (2006). The impact of a multi-disciplinary approach in improving health and quality of care for individuals dealing with multiple, chronic conditions. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 76(1), 109-114.