This paper summarizes 3 sets of barriers to reducing burden of affective disorders including factors that contribute to 1) the risk, course, and outcomes of affective disorders; 2) help-seeking and use of health and mental health services for affective and other mental disorders; and 3) the appropriateness of treatments used for affective disorders. On the basis of this review, the authors recommend research needed to identify modifiable barriers to reducing the burden of affective disorders and to identifying opportunities to reduce these barriers. This new research should focus on clarifying societal, family, and consumer, clinician, and system barriers to recognizing disorders, seeking and providing care, and adhering with guideline concordant care, and should include barriers that apply to both treatment and prevention services.
