There’s More To Depression – Findings of a Survey Amongst Patients in the UK

Download full set of results

A survey was conducted amongst 411 people aged 18 and over representing regions throughout the UK. The research was conducted by independent market researchers Adelphi in March 2011 via a 15 minute online survey. The survey sample included 360 people diagnosed with depression. All respondents had seen a GP in the last three years to discuss depression or because they were feeling low. 60% had seen their GP within the last two years to discuss depression or because they were feeling low. Those currently experiencing severe depression were excluded from the survey.1

Main findings

Over a half of people who had visited a GP because they felt low or depressed in the past 3 years had not discussed different severity levels of depression with their GP and the importance of this when deciding the most appropriate treatment.
Has your GP ever spoken to you about different severity levels of depression (e.g. mild, moderate, severe)?
- 53% No
- 47% Yes
Of the 47% that said Yes
Has your healthcare professional ever spoken to you about different severity levels of depression (e.g. mild, moderate, severe) and what this means for treatment choices?
Yes, and I understood it
Yes, but I didn't understand it
They discussed severity levels but not what it means for treatment choices
Of the 47% that said Yes
Once given a severity level of depression were you asked back for a second assessment?
Yes, I went back within 1 month to three months
Yes, I went back after three months but within six months
Yes, I went back after six months but within a year
No, I never went back for a second assessment
Not sure
66% of patients are satisfied with their care for depression.
How satisfied are you with the treatment and care you have received regarding your depression / low mood?
- Very satisfied
- Quite satisfied
- Neither satisfied not unsatisfied
- Quite unsatisfied
- Very unsatisfied
90% had not been given a copy of their treatment plan.
Have you been given a copy of your treatment plan?
- 6% Yes
- 90% No
- 4% Not sure
46% were not involved in choosing their treatment plan.
Were you involved in choosing your treatment plan?
- Yes, with regards to medication
- Yes, with regards to how long to stay on treatment
- Yes, with regards to coming off treatment
- Yes, with regards to side-effects
- Yes, other treatments
- Yes, about something else
- No
75% had not discussed with their GP any charities or other organisations that could help.
Has your doctor ever discussed any charities or other organisations that may be able to provide you with information or support?
- Yes, leaflets and written information
- Yes, contact details
- Yes, but nothing specific
- Yes, but not interested
- Not sure
- No