Am J Psychiatry 1996; 153:645-649
Copyright © 1996 by American Psychiatric Association
Description and evaluation of the Iowa Depression Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment Program
MW O'Hara, LL Gorman and EJ Wright
Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
OBJECTIVE: The National Institute of Mental Health developed the Depression
Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment Program to provide up- to-date
information and training to health, mental health, and social service
professionals regarding the identification and treatment of depression.
This study was undertaken to evaluate a series of these programs for
professionals who provide services to rural residents in the Midwest.
METHOD: The 18 2-day training programs were attended by a total of 1,221
participants, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.
Participants' knowledge regarding depression was assessed both before and
after each program. Practice characteristics and perceived ability to
assess and treat depression were assessed. Finally, 6-month follow-up
evaluations of the usefulness of the training to the participants were
undertaken. RESULTS: Following the programs, participants evidenced
significant increases in levels of knowledge of depression and a high
degree of satisfaction with most elements of the program. Six-month
follow-up evaluations indicated a continued positive evaluation of the
program. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes suggest that the goals of the
Depression Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment Program were met and
provide support for the wider dissemination of these training programs.
