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) - 10641 participants; and the National Health Survey (2001) - 17918 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 t..