Advisor(s)

Mary B. Ballou

Contributor(s)

William Sanchez, Ena Vasquez-Nuttal

Date of Award

2008

Date Accepted

6-2008

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department or Academic Unit

Bouvé College of Health Sciences. Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology.

Keywords

Psychology, Women's depression

Subject Categories

Depression in women--Case studies, Depression in women--Treatment

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Abstract Research has generally concluded that women disproportionately receive depression treatment in primary care settings when compared to men, but has rarely considered the relationship of SSRI's and psychotherapy as recommended treatment for women in this setting to date. In this study, we used quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the rate at which guideline concordant care for depression combining psychotherapy and psychopharmacology as recommended treatment is occurring. Also, personal experiences of women seeking depression in primary care settings was also explored in several PA townships. Our sample included 40 self-selected women between 18 and 65 years of age, prescribed an SSRI by their primary care physician. The participants completed semi-structured questionnaire and a select group of ten completed in-depth personal interviews. Our Quantitative findings indicated pharmacotherapy was the most widely used treatment despite evidenced-based recommendations. Of women prescribed an SSRI, 75% were not prescribed psychotherapy. A significant association was found between reported feelings of worthlessness and referral to therapy and all participants reported a stressful life event(s) precipitated their doctor's visit. Our qualitative analysis suggests women preferred combined treatment. Successful treatment for depression was also influenced by the quality of the patient-doctor communication including adequate dispensing of treatment information and physician's listening skills. Together these factors increased participants' feelings of validation, confidence in their treatment and overall sense of well being.

Document Type

Dissertation

Rights Holder

Ruth Marsach-Wood


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