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Depression Screening

Depression is an important problem in the United States and around the world. The World Health Organization says it is one of the most burdensome diseases in the world and is a leading global reason for living with disability. It is estimated that lost productivity from depression results in costs to employers of $44 billion annually in the United States.

Depression can be divided into major and less serious illnesses. An estimated 10 percent of men and 25 percent of women will suffer major depression during their lifetimes. At any given time, 2.4 percent of men and 4 to 6 percent of women will be experiencing major depression. Less severe depression is even more common; one study found that women experienced depressive symptoms 3.5 days a month on average; men reported such symptoms 2.4 days a month.

Occurrence of major and minor depression can occur through one's adult life; peak occurrence is said to be found in adults ages 25 to 44 years, and in those over age 65.

Often Most depression is not thought of as severe enough to result in the individual seeing a health care provider, but even mild depression is likely to affect both productivity and quality of life. In recent years, even though there has been a marked increase in the administration of effective medications drugs for depression, but the evidence still indicates that the majority of major depression is not adequately treated.

An increasing problem is depression that can be caused mainly by alcohol abuse, prescription drugs, but also by some over-the-counter medications and some illegal drugs (such as heroin and cocaine).

Depressive Symptoms are very variable and include feeling blue or sad, excessive fatigue, difficulties with sleep, irritability, poor frustration tolerance, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, poor appetite, difficulty thinking, depressed mood, inability to experience pleasure, feelings of hopelessness and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. In some people, depression is associated with a specific event (for example, experiencing grief and sadness at the death of a loved one and, if it does not persist and is not overwhelming, can be an expected perfectly normal reaction).

Because depression is such a frequent and important problem, Healthful Life believes annual testing is desirable. There are several good self-administered questionnaires that are brief and both easy to complete and easy to score. We have available good treatments for depression. Depression that is deep or persistent should not be self-diagnosed and self-treated. A physician (or, in some case, a nurse) should determine the severity and whether medications and/or referral to a specialist is required. Prescription, over-the-counter, and at least one herbal medication (St John's wort) can be effective, BUT, any treatment should be done with the advice and supervision of a physician. Self-medicating for depression is a very bad idea. Annual screening for depression is a very good idea.