Determinants of Barriers to Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Submitted on Thursday, 4 February 2010
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Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate perceived unmet need for mental healthcare, determinants of unmet need, and
barriers to care in individuals with social anxiety (SA) or panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) in Quebec. Data from 206
participants diagnosed with SA or PDA were collected using an online questionnaire. Correlational analyses and binary stepwise
logistic regressions were conducted to explore determinants of perceived unmet need. Of the 206 participants, 144 (69.9%)
reported instances of unmet need for treatment. Perceived unmet need was correlated with variables related to the severity
of the disorder, such as comorbid depression, avoidance, duration of worry, interference with functioning, and time lapsed
between the appearance of first symptoms and first consultation. Depression and avoidance emerged as predictors for perceived
unmet need in the regression analysis. The most common barriers to treatment reported were concern about the cost of services
(63.9%), not knowing where to go to get help (63.2%), lack of health insurance coverage (52.4%), and appointment wait times
(52.1%). The results of this study demonstrate the need to overcome barriers to treatment engendered by avoidance behaviors
associated with anxiety. Potential methods for achieving this objective include Internet outreach, support groups, and increased
accessibility to public services.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- DOI 10.1007/s11126-010-9123-5
- Authors
- Mariko Chartier-Otis, University of Quebec in Montreal Department of Psychology Montréal QC Canada
- Michel Perreault, McGill University Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute 6875 boul. LaSalle Montréal QC H4H 1R3 Canada
- Claude Bélanger, University of Quebec in Montreal Department of Psychology Montréal QC Canada
- Journal Psychiatric Quarterly
- Online ISSN 1573-6709
- Print ISSN 0033-2720
- Journal Volume Volume 81
- Journal Issue Volume 81, Number 2 / June, 2010
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