Visits for Depression to Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in the USA

Excerpt

Major depression is a major public health problem. In 2015, approximately 16 million US adults experienced a major depressive episode.1 Depression adversely affects physical health2 and functioning.3 ^, 4 The disease is recognized globally as a leading cause of disability.5 Available research has shown that existing pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatments can effectively treat symptoms for many adults with depression.6 ^, 7 However, a large proportion of adults are undertreated8 or overtreated9 for depression. Moreover, racial and ethnic disparities in the undertreatment of depression persist.10 ^, 11 One strategy for improving the quality and equity of depression care is by ensuring access to a consistent source of care for individuals with depression. Having a usual source of care is associated with an increased likelihood of receiving adequate depression treatment12 and timely preventive services.13 A worsening physician shortage, coupled with the increased demand for health services due to the aging population and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, presents a challenge for providing access to depression treatment.14 As the USA experiences constraints in access to medical providers, there is a need to examine alternative models for delivering high-quality and clinically appropriate behavioral healthcare. …