Subclinical depression: an overlooked problem

Abstract

Subclinical depression is a worldwide spread disease with significant impact on health and life quality. The goal of this study is to assess its prevalence, service utilization, and to identify the most vulnerable groups in 18 to 64 years-old residents of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. A survey was administered to a stratified sample of the study population. The CESD-R scale was applied to establish the diagnosis. Sociodemographic and health-care service utilization information was collected as well. The prevalence of subclinical depression was 10% (CI 95%: 6.9%-14.0%). A trend of higher prevalence was observed among younger subjects, and in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. One third of subjects with subclinical depression had previously consulted a health professional and less than half of them had been correctly diagnosed. Early detection and treatment of subclinical depression is key to diminishing the associated disability and to prevent its evolution to major depression. It is necessary to implement early detection strategies, specifically directed to the most vulnerable groups: younger people and lower socioeconomic strata.