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State-based differences in the prevalence and characteristics of untreated persons with serious psychological distress

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International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives:

To examine the state-based prevalence of serious psychological distress (SPD) and its treatment using the Kessler-6 scale.

Methods:

SPD and treatment data were obtained from 202,114 respondents in the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Mental Illness and Stigma Module in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Results:

Approximately 4.0 % of persons in the 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had SPD. The prevalence estimates ranged from 2.3 % in Iowa to 6.6 % in Mississippi. Among persons with SPD, 53.4 % were currently untreated, ranging from 33.3 % in Alaska to 67.0 % in Hawaii.

Conclusions:

Mental health parity and a multidimensional approach to healthcare with extensive referrals between mental and physical healthcare is warranted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop K66, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA

    Tara W. Strine MPH, Satvinder S. Dhingra, Catherine A. Okoro, Matthew M. Zack & Lina S. Balluz

  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Washington, D.C., USA

    Joyce T. Berry

  3. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Ali H. Mokdad

Authors
  1. Tara W. Strine MPH
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  2. Satvinder S. Dhingra
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  3. Catherine A. Okoro
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  4. Matthew M. Zack
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  5. Lina S. Balluz
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  6. Joyce T. Berry
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  7. Ali H. Mokdad
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tara W. Strine MPH.

Additional information

Submitted: 22 September 2008; revised: 07 January 2009; accepted: 09 January 2009

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Strine, T.W., Dhingra, S.S., Okoro, C.A. et al. State-based differences in the prevalence and characteristics of untreated persons with serious psychological distress. Int J Public Health 54 (Suppl 1), 9–15 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-0001-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-0001-6

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