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Recognizing and Effectively Treating Depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Yves Lecrubier
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Abstract

In 2004, more people died in Europe from suicide than from road accidents. The lifetime prevalence of major depression is 20% for women and 10% for men. Depression is a leading cause of disability and decreased quality of life. In spite of this, numerous studies have shown that only ~50% of depressed patients are recognized as such in primary care. In a recent international survey of everyday management of depression we observed that only ~15% of patients became symptom-free following treatment. In spite of this low level of remission primary care physicians and psychiatrist only rarely increased the dose of antidepressant or switched to another medication as unanimously recommended by different guidelines. Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of maintaining treatment for ≥6 months after remission is obtained in order to prevent relapse and recurrence. However, a recent study reported that only 19% of a cohort of patients in primary care continued treatment for 6 months as recommended. Antidepressants can be very effective but only when used correctly at adequate doses and for a sufficient duration. Although new improved antidepressants are obviously desirable, a greater recognition of depression and its treatment by the correct use of currently available antidepressant drugs could greatly improve the management of this major public health problem.

Type
Research Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 13 , supplement S11 , July 2008 , pp. 5 - 9
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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