Adherence to American Psychiatric Association (APA) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Among Medicaid Beneficiaries

Publication Date: 6/1/2007

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Description:

Research indicates that 80% to 90% of persons with major depressive disorder (MDD) can be successfully treated, yet depression often goes unrecognized or improperly treated. In response to this problem, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and other national organizations such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have developed and disseminated evidenced-based practice (EBP) guidelines to achieve greater consistency and quality in clinical care while reducing costs. However, there has been insufficient research on (a) adherence to approved guidelines, (b) the impact of adherence on patients' clinical status, and (c) resulting Medicaid expenditures for mental health services. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether communitydwelling adult Medicaid recipients with a diagnosis of MDD receive services that adhere to APA clinical practice guidelines. In addition, the study examined factors associated with guideline adherence and the relationship between adherence, recipient outcomes, and Medicaid expenditures. This study was completed at the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI) at the University of South Florida and was funded by a contract with the Florida Agency for Health Administration (AHCA).