MOOD DISORDERS. W. Resnick 1 , T. Houston 2 , K. Swartz 2 , L.A. Cooper 2 ; DRADA, Baltimore, MD; 1 Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD PURPOSE: To describe how mutual help support groups are used by individuals affected by mood disorders. METHODS: Six focus groups, including 39 participants (19 women, 20 men), were conducted. Participants were recruited through Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association (DRADA) support groups. Discussions addressed what if any influence support groups have had on their lives; and the relationship of the groups to medical treatment and/or therapy. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed independently by two investigators to group distinct comments into categories with specific themes. Differences were resolved after a joint review of themes. Comments within categories were then checked for relevance and consistency by two second reviewers Ð a general internist, and a psychiatrist. Adjustments to categories were made until consensus was reached. RESULTS: Comments fell into 10 categories: 1) Patient Activation/Empowerment in their treatment, 2) Using support groups to complement treatment, 3) Obtaining education and information, 4) Learning to interact positively with family and co-workers, 5) Socializing with support group members, 6) Sharing Ð to understand each other, 7) Helping others, 8) Increasing self-esteem, 9) Emotional Support, and 10) General comments. All participants were positive about the influence of support groups in their lives. A sense of belonging, talking about problems, and feeling understood by others, were seen as a source of comfort and well-being. Participants felt their family and work relationships, and communication skills were improved by participation in support groups. They also reported an increase in self-esteem and participation in medical decision-making. All agreed that exchange of information about their illness and exchange of ideas with other people about coping, contributed to their health. Emotional support from peers, destigmatization of their illness, and a sense of hope were all benefits from the groups. Most individuals did not use the group as replacement for treatment. CONCLUSION: Health professionals should consider recommending mutual-help support groups as an adjunct to treatment. The combination of medical treatment and peer support may enhance patient participation in care, treatment adherence and social skills, and provide patients with positive coping strategies. Baltimore Mental Health System, Baltimore, MD PURPOSE: Studies document underutilization of outpatient specialty mental health services by African Americans (AAs). However, AAs with depression are just as likely as whites to receive care in primary care. Despite their use of primary care, AAs are less likely than whites to be recognized as depressed, offered pharmacotherapy, and to initiate or complete guidelineconcordant depression care. AAs express preferences for counseling and negative attitudes toward antidepressant medication, the most common form of depression treatment used by primary care physicians. Few depression education programs and materials target cultural beliefs and values of AAs. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability and usefulness of an educational videotape for AAs with depression. METHODS: After showing the videotape, we held four focus group discussions in two community settings and at an historically black university. Subjects included twenty-four AAs, aged 18 ± 76 years, who screened positive for depression. Thirty-eight percent reported a history of previous treatment. Focus group discussion questions addressed the usefulness of the videotape for helping viewers understand depression and its treatment, the most and least effective parts of the videotape, and the cultural appropriateness of the information presented. Participants took pre-and post-tests on attitudes about depression. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, and reviewed independently by two investigators to identify and group comments into specific themes. Two other investigators reviewed the themes and comments for consistency. Changes were incorporated to achieve consensus. RESULTS: In addition to comments specifically related to positive and negative aspects of the videotape, the following themes were identified: concerns about antidepressant medication; identification with people in the videotape; racial and cultural issues; stigma and stereotypes; spirituality; and validation and support from the focus group. The videotape was well received and rated by most viewers as effective in improving knowledge and alleviating concerns about depression and its treatment. After watching the videotape, attitudes improved in several areas: depression as a medical illness, effectiveness of treatment, negative perceptions of antidepressant medication and reliance upon spirituality alone to heal depression. CONCLUSION: This culturally tailored videotape about depression is deemed acceptable and effective to AAs with depression participating in focus groups. It also improves knowledge and attitudes about depression. Incorporating culturally-tailored educational materials and messages into community and primary care depression programs may reduce barriers to appropriate depression care for AAs.