[Differences in the utilization of specific healthcare services among persons with a diagnosis of depression - which impact has the socioeconomic status?]

Abstract

Differences in the use of mental health services among people diagnosed with depression were examined depending on socio-economic status (employment, education, income).A cross-sectional study was conducted using routine data from statutory health insurance. 122.191 insured persons of working age with a depression diagnosis in 2018 were examined. Differences in the use of mental health services were assessed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.Patients receiving social assistance due to long-term unemployment showed a significantly lower rate of use of psychotherapeutic services compared to employed persons, whereas individuals with short-term unemployment had a significantly higher utilisation rate for mental health services.Access to and barriers to psychotherapeutic services should be more widely discussed and considered for depressed patients in long-term unemployment.