The disease is also highly prevalent in the elderly, and often misdiagnosed, unrecognized or masked by underlying ailments or cognitive deficits. Despite the overwhelming statistics surrounding the disease, only about one in ten people suffering from depression receive adequate treatment. Patients are often reluctant to visit a mental healthcare specialist due to the stigma attached to mental illness. Other patient-based reasons include their failure to recognize the symptoms, their underestimation of the severity of depression and a lack of adequate insurance reimbursement. Prescribing insufficient antidepressant medications for inadequate time periods, poor insurance coverage and fear of offending the patient also contribute to the problem.
Diagnosis can be difficult for the healthcare provider.
Patients may also focus on physical symptoms, which can mislead the healthcare provider. Depressed patients often hide their feelings, especially their negative thoughts, due to shame or embarrassment. Many people who are suffering from depression do not even seek medical attention. They may not want to admit that they need help or they may not think their symptoms are serious enough to visit a professional. In some cases, they may simply not have the energy and motivation to make, or follow through with, an appointment.