The underrecognition and undertreatment of depression:
what is the breadth and depth of the problem?
by
Davidson JR, Meltzer-Brody SE
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science,
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
J Clin Psychiatry 1999; 60 Suppl 7:4-9; discussion 10-1

ABSTRACT

Currently, 1 in 6 of the population will, at some point during their lives, suffer from major depression. By the year 2020, it has been estimated that major depression will be the second most important cause of disability worldwide. Major depression is associated not only with significant morbidity, but with comorbid chronic illnesses and lost productivity because of excess mortality and morbidity. The most important reason for the recognition and adequate treatment of depression is that symptoms can be effectively controlled. Despite this, patients are frequently neither recognized nor treated adequately. Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of major depression can be associated with factors relating to patients, their physicians, and the health care systems that provide their care. The treatment of depressed patients with appropriate agents, at appropriate doses, for appropriate periods of time, and incorporating appropriate nonpharmacologic strategies, is cost-effective. Since much of the management of depression occurs in primary care, approaches aimed at improving the overall management of the condition have a major role to play in lessening the burden of the disease.

PTSD
SSRIs
MAOIs
Melancholy
Rank theory
21st century
Antidepressants
Depression management strategies
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