A recent comparative study utilizing data from the NCS and the KECA explored factors that might explain the causes the low prevalence of MDD reported in Korea (Chang et al., 2008). Importantly, results suggested that certain depressive symptoms were differentially expressed between the Americans and Koreans. In particular, there were higher diagnostic thresholds and different symptom patterns in the KECA than in the NCS. The authors concluded that a syndromal or dimensional approach may be preferable for detecting MDD among Koreans.
