Men In and Out of Treatment for Depression: Strategies for Improved Engagement

Abstract

Objective: While the prevalence of major depressive disorder continues to rise, many men are reticent to seek and sustain psychotherapy. The current study explored Australian men's experiences with treatment for depression with a view to guiding recommendations for improving treatment engagement. Method: Twenty men (23–64 years) who had received psychotherapy for depressive symptoms in the past 3 years took part in individual, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in line with interpretive descriptive methodologies. Results: Findings suggested men's preference for a transparent orientation to treatment, including the provision of a clear structure for the..