Sunday, May 29, 2005
Monday, May 09, 2005
Depression - some statistics
- By 2010 depression will be the second most common cause of disability worldwide, ahead of road accidents and second to heart disease
- Every year one in ten people in the UK seek treatment for depression
- 25% of people seen in primary care (e.g. GP, A&E) have a mental health component to their illness (that is more than people with asthma and diabetes)
Hoban V Depression NT 3 May 2005 Vol 101 No 18 pg 21
So... you're not alone. Please remember, depression is a treatable condition and there are many ways to treat it. Although medication can help it is no longer the first port of call. Much benefit can be gained by self help, excercise and diet. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has also shown very positive results when compared with medication. Of course, medication can also be of use, so don't dismiss it out of hand if your best advice is to take it.
If you feel that you are suffering from depression contact your GP and talk through the options available. If they are not up to date with the latest research ask to talk to a mental health nurse or counsellor.
Prozac use for under 18s
The European Medicines Agency is recommending that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs) should not be used to treat children and adolescents unless authorised, because of the increased risk of suicide related behavior and hostility. It says that doctors should carefully monitor patients prescribed these drugs. UK regulators agreed with these guidelines with the exception of Prozac (Fluoxetine), however a final UK ruling is due in two to three months.
Nursing Times 3 May 2005 Vol 101 No 18
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