treated incidence
The rate of new cases of psychiatric disorder identified through contact with mental health services, rather than community screening.
Full Definition
Treated incidence represents the rate at which new cases of psychiatric disorders are identified through healthcare utilization patterns rather than systematic population surveys. This measure is crucial in psychiatric epidemiology because it reflects the burden on mental health services and patterns of help-seeking behavior. However, treated incidence typically underestimates true incidence because many individuals with psychiatric disorders do not seek treatment. The ratio between treated and true incidence provides insights into service accessibility, stigma, and recognition of mental health problems. Treated incidence data are often more readily available than true incidence estimates but require careful interpretation.
Usage
Usage note: Always acknowledge the limitations of treated incidence compared to true incidence estimates.
In Context
- "Treated incidence of psychosis varied significantly across geographic regions, suggesting disparities in service access." — Health services research
- "The study estimated that treated incidence captured only 40% of true depression cases in the community." — Epidemiological comparison