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Doctors should screen all adults for depression, say expert panel [MedicalNewsToday.com]

man-receiving-therapy

 

It is estimated that around 1 in 10 Americans experience depression at some point in their lives. Major depression affects almost 7% of the US population, with women more likely to develop the condition than men.

Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, loss of interest in hobbies and activities, reduced energy, insomnia, thoughts of death and suicide and suicide attempts.

Depression can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, and it is the leading cause of disability among individuals in the US aged 15 and older.

At present, the most commonly used tool for screening patients for depression is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). It requires patients to answer nine questions - such as, "Over the last 2 weeks, have you been feeling tired or having little energy?" - with the aim of pinpointing any indicators of depression.

 

[For more of this story go to http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297533.php]

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No absolutely not.  This is simply an attempt by pharmaceutical companies to sell more SSRI's and when that doesn't "work" antipsychotics!!!  We have all heard on peppy sounding direct to consumer advertising "Ask your doctor if ability is right for you."

 

Only physicians with the information in their pockets about lowering stress with exercise, nature walks, walking meditation, yoga, proper nutrition and a knowledge of how psychosocial factors can be modified to help tame depressed feelings should all patients be screened for depression and other symptoms of "dis-ease".  

 

And by the way this photo is a perfect example of the "us" vs "them" phenomenon we were discussing previously, with an attentive young woman sitting calmly in a chair with a checklist in her hand as a gentleman sits on a couch head down, no direct eye contact, slumped over leaning on his crossed forearms.  BYW most physician offices (primary care docs give out most of these pharmaceuticals) do not have couches in their exam rooms. 

 

Thanks

 

The PHQ-9 does not ask about modifiable factors that can lead to depressed feelings and even grieving over the death or loss of a loved one can be considered pathological depression - to be treated with pharmaceutical therapy.  Notice in the article that drug therapy was mentioned first.  

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