These researchers analysed responses from 15,822 participants in the 2014/15 New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (NZAVS) longitudinal panel. Their analysis explored ethnic disparities in self-reported diagnosis of depression or an anxiety disorder by a doctor, relative to scores on the screening measure (the Kessler-6 scale) for these same forms of mental illness in a nationally representative sample of New Zealand adults. Māori, Pacific and Asian New Zealanders were more likely to score in the ‘at risk’ range of the Kessler-6 scale, indicating an increased likelihood of depression or anxiety, relative to European New Zealanders. However, the highest rate of actual diagnosis with depression or anxiety in the previous 5-year period was reported by European New Zealanders, rather than Māori, Pacific and Asian New Zealanders.
