LAUSR

Abstract Introduction Globally, depressive disorders affect over 311 million people and women are more likely than men to suffer depression. However, no study has comprehensively described the diverse health services used for managing depression in middle-aged and older women. Methods A cross-sectional survey was sent to 800 Australian women aged over 45-year reporting a diagnosis of depression, ( a sub-study of the 45 and Up Study) in 2016. The survey measured consultations with conventional, allied, and complementary health practitioners, and use of medications and complementary health products/practices for depression, and the associated out-of-pocket expenses. Results Of the 361 (45.1%) participants returning a completed questionnaire, most women (72.2%) consulted at least one health practitioner, while 40.7% used at least one prescription medication and 51.8% used at least one form of complementary product or practice for depression in the previous 12 months. Women with more severe self-reported depression were more likely to consult with doctors and allied health practitioners, and use prescription medications and multiple complementary health products/practices. Combined integrative health out-of-pocket expenditure on depression management by the women in our study was $568.0 per annum, equating to approximately AU$367 million per annum for Australian women aged 50 years and over. Conclusion Middle-aged and older Australian women were high users of integrative health services for the management of depression. Women with depression have an additional financial burden associated with their mental health services requiring consideration by primary health practitioners when recommending treatments for depression.