A national depression index for Australia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop a National Depression Index for measuring the depression status of the Australian population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data were analysed from two random samples of the Australian adult population - the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2000) and the National Health Survey (2001). PARTICIPANTS: The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2000) - 10 641 participants; and the National Health Survey (2001) - 17 918 participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Selected items from the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10); and diagnoses of a major depressive episode according to DSM-IV criteria using a computerised interview. RESULTS: Six items from the K10..