Subsyndromal depression: prevalence, use of health services and quality of life in an Australian population

Background A study of the prevalence, use of services and quality of life of those with subsyndromal depression in a random and representative Australian population. Methods A face-to-face Health Omnibus survey of 3010 respondents administered the mood module of the PRIME-MD and the SF-36 and AQoL quality of life instruments. Results Subsyndromal depressive symptoms were identified in 12.9% of respondents. There was a gradation of use of services from those with no depression, to those with subsyndromal, other and major depressions. Those with subsyndromal depression scored significantly worse on quality of life measures than those with no depression, but the effect size was small and less than the poorer functioning of those with other depressive syndromes, particularly major depression. Conclusions Subsyndromal depression is very prevalent in the community and worthy of clinical consideration.