Attitudes toward depression among Ecuadorian physicians using the Spanish-validated version of the Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire (R-DAQ).

Purpose: Depression is inadequately recognized and managed, and physicians' attitudes toward this condition and its treatment may play a part in this. This study aimed to assess Ecuadorian physicians' attitudes toward depression.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted using the validated Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire (R-DAQ). The questionnaire was delivered to Ecuadorian physicians, and the response rate was 88.8%.

Results: 76.4% of participants had never received previous training in depression, and 52.1% of them indicated neutral or limited professional confidence when dealing with depressed patients. More than two-thirds of the participants reported an optimistic attitude toward the generalist perspective of depression.

Conclusion: Overall, physicians in Ecuador's healthcare settings were optimistic and held positive attitudes toward patients with depression. However, a lack of confidence in the management of depression and a need for ongoing training were found, especially among medical professionals who are not in daily contact with patients with depression.