Did you know?
Did you know that:
Approximately 50% of people suffering from depression who need treatment never go to a doctor?
It's important that more people seek treatment. There are several reasons for getting the right treatment:
- Suffering from depression is extremely distressing
- Taking account of all the costs involved, depression is an expensive illness in our society.
Fortunately half of all sufferers seek help from their doctor or a psychiatrist.
Your doctor can help
Of those that go to their doctor, 25-30% have been depressed before. They go and see their doctor because they know that their depression has come back again.
If you have already suffered from a bout of depression, your doctor will be able to advise you as to the most useful treatment.
Studies show that 10-20% of patients with depression who go to their doctor are diagnosed as having a physical illness if they have physical symptoms. This is because many sufferers describe physical symptoms. These may result in doctors not always being able to diagnose depression.
However, special training and education have resulted in doctors being better at diagnosing depression. This can be seen from the increase in the number of antidepressants prescribed.
Start treatment with your doctor
The majority of depressive episodes are diagnosed and treated by general practitioners, with difficult to treat patients usually referred to psychiatrists
Many patients who go to see their doctor don't do so of their own free will. Often they will be encouraged to do so by their:
- Spouse or partner
- Children
- Colleagues
- Employer
Few need hospital treatment. Those who do and who are admitted are often:
- At risk of committing suicide
- Unaware of how seriously ill they are
Patient support groups can help you realize at an earlier stage that you need treatment.
The internet is also a valuable resource. You can down load:
- Advice for those with depression
- Advice for those who want to help a family member or friend with depression