Living with fear - 85% of patients worry about their depression returning
New research from Depression Alliance reveals that 85% of patients who have experienced depression are worried about suffering further bouts of the illness. The results of the survey of 1010 patients carried out by Taylor Nelson Sofres on behalf of Depression Alliance is published this month in the Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion (CMR&O). It found that about a third of the people who had experienced depression reported overt fear or anxiety that their depression would return1b. Unfortunately for many this fear becomes a reality with around nine out of 10 of those with depression experiencing at least one repeat episode.1c
Dr Chris Manning, Honorary Vice President of Depression Alliance and co-author of the paper in CMRO commented, 'Whilst I am heartened that the majority of people questioned were taking a more holistic, proactive approach to managing their own depression with activities such as cognitive therapy, attending support groups, and participating in exercise, it remains scandalous that 85% still worry that they will have further bouts of depression. This concern is not acceptable when there are treatments such as SSRIs that have been shown to prevent depression returning. It is vital that we also ensure that people are treated with such medicines appropriately and are fully informed of any side effects or sudden discontinuation issues.'
The survey went on to reveal that 65% of patients admitted to having stopped taking their medication on at least one occasion.1d Guidelines from the British Association for Psychopharmacology recommend that treatment should be continued for at least six months from the point that mood is the same as it was before the patient became depressed2a, as it is estimated that without treatment from this point between one quarter and one third of patients will relapse into depression.2b
A GP survey supported by PriMHE (Primary Care Mental Health Education) was carried out in tandem, which questioned 200 GPs. Their responses would suggest that very few GPs (5%) follow the BAP guidelines with nearly a third following no guidelines at all.1e This is further reinforced by the finding that of the GPs questioned only 13% would treat for more than six months and just 36% for up to six months.
Dr Lisa Silver a GP from Oxfordshire, commented 'Although there is a wealth of information and guidance on treatment and management of depression, there still appears to be confusion amongst GPs. With one in five people likely to suffer depression in their lives, it is vital that GPs update their knowledge in this area so that they are in a position to treat and inform those experiencing depression adequately.'
References:
1) Manning C, Marr J. The 'Real Life Burden of Depression' Surveys - GP and Patient Perspective on Treatment and Management of Recurrent Depression. Current Medical Research & Opinion 2003; 19(6): 526-531 doi: 10.1185/030079903125002117.
2) Anderson IM et al. Evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with antidepressants: a revision of the 1993 British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines. On behalf of the Consensus Meeting; endorsed by the British Association for Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacology 2000; 14(1):3-20.
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