Goldney, R.Fisher, L.2006-06-232006-06-232004Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology: the international journal for research in social and genetic epidemiology and mental health services, 2004; 39(11):921-9260933-79541433-9285http://hdl.handle.net/2440/6614The original publication can be found at www.springerlink.comBackground: Double depression, or dysthymia with superimposed major depression, is a major public health issue that imposes considerable burden on the community. Double depression and its associated morbidity have not previously been delineated in an Australian population. Methods: A random and representative sample of the South Australian population was assessed by trained interviewers. The mood module of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD), the Short-Form Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36), and Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instruments were administered, and data related to treatment use and role functioning were collated. Results: Double depression was present in 2.2% of the population. This group reported high levels of treatment-seeking behaviour with 90% seeking treatment in the last month and 42.4 % taking antidepressants. They also had a highly significantly poorer quality of life than did others in the community. Conclusions: The 2.2% of the population with double depression reported high use of services with poor functioning and health-related quality of life. More effective intervention strategies are required.enAustraliamajor depressiondysthymiadouble depressionquality of lifeJournal article002004102010.1007/s00127-004-0832-70002250524000112-s2.0-874422034756613