According to the recently conducted survey by the W.H.O, under the name as: “World Health survey”, in sixty countries all over the world, the main chronic health problem affecting the people is, “Depression”, compared to other four important diseases, viz: pain in chest, joint pains, asthma and diabetes. If depression and diabetes occur in one person, the trouble is much more. Age: Depression occurs at any age of the individual. Sex: 30 % of the males are affected, where as 40% females are affected. Signs and symptoms of Depression: Often many of us feel some sort of emotions in our daily life but certain persons are not in apposition to cope up with them and develop depression. 1. The person appears to be in “dull” mood and feels “helplessness’’. 2. Loss of interest on any thing and also without any enthusiasm. 3. Often feels weakness and vigor less. 4. Feeling tiredness even after doing minimal labor. 5. Loss of self-confidence and also self-esteem. 6. Future appears as hopeless and often feels apprehension. 7. Not able to get sound sleep and often getting irregular sleep with disturbances. 8. Loss of appetite, discomfort in the stomach and loss of weight, are also present. 9. Disinterest in sexual desires and acts. 10. Not mixing either with friends or known persons. They prefer to spend lonely. 11. Often in anxiety and tension. 12. Often is of the opinion that living in this world is waste and feels miserable. 13. Gradually develops the “Suicidal Tendency” and sometimes harms himself physically. Physicians should always keep it in mind, that if any person comes with a certain physical ailment, they must also look for the signs of depression if at all present in that patient. Treatment for Depression: There has been a lot of improvement in the methods of management of the depression in the last twenty years. Safety anti -depressant drugs are available now. The other procedures are counseling and psychotherapy by the experts, along with the drugs are also available. The Most common diseases present in the adults: 1. Depression: 9.4% 2. Deafness: 5.5% 3. Eye-sight problems: 5.2% 4. Joint pains: 3.2% 5. Paralysis: 2.7% 6. Forgetfulness: 2.6% 7. Bad effects of pregnancy: 2.5% Life is not a bed of roses, but full of thorns. So we have to face them, whatever may be the consequences and try our level best to overcome them. Rest is left to God, the omnipotent. Human life is a God given gift and is a rare opportunity to us and not to waste it by day to day problems and depression, etc. … [Read more...]
Suicide: preventable public health problem
Suicide is a preventable public health problem and occurs in all ages according to World health organisation and International association of Suicide prevention. Use of pesticides and other poisonous materials is the most frequent form of suicide. Treatment of mental health problems is another major factor in preventing suicides. Suicide Statistics: According to WHO, 3,000 people commit suicide every day in the world, one person every 30 seconds. For every 1 person that succeeds in their suicide attempt, there are at least 20 persons who fail in their attempts. Global suicide rate was up 60% over the last 50 years. Developed countries are reporting steep rise in mental health problems. Reported suicide is among the 3 leading causes of deaths in the 15-34 age group persons across the world. Outside Asia, 3-4 men died by suicide to each women who killed herself. Compared to men, women consult psychologists more often for their mental health problems. Most suicide victims are found in the above 60 age group. But, old age persons respond better to preventive measures than all other age groups. Suicide rates are low in elderly people especially in developing countries. Compared to developed countries, people of the developing world rarely consult doctors for the treatment of mental health disorders. These people have less awareness on mental health problems compared to physical health problems. Suicide is a health problem influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors. But it is the major preventable public health problem. Social and family help and psychologist intervention will help in preventing most of suicidal deaths. … [Read more...]
Depression is more harmful than Diabetes and angina
According to first global research study on the health impact of depression, it is more harmful than chronic diseases like Angina, Arthritis, Asthma and Diabetes. This extensive research study was conducted by World Health Organisation. Undiagnosed and untreated depression will cause more damage than some major chronic diseases put together. Results of the research study were published in the September 8 issue of Lancet. WHO conducted this research study on 2, 50,000 persons across 60 countries. Depression is a state of intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individual's social functioning and/or activities of daily living. It often leads to constant negative thinking and sometimes substance abuse. People suffering from chronic diseases likely to be depressed and this depression disturb the mental and emotional aspect of patient life. Depressed patients less likely follow treatment regimen and may not consult doctor making the situation much worse. Depression statistics: 1. 70% of depression cases are generally misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. These undiagnosed persons will suffer more health impacts than diagnosed ones. 2. 3.2% of people had experienced a depressive episode in the past year. 3. 9-23% of people had depression in addition to another chronic disease. 4. Less than 30% people are diagnosed and receive treatment while 70% misses diagnosis. Depressive patients should take either pharmacological treatment (anti-depressants) or psychological treatment (cognitive behavioural therapy). Better treatment for depression would greatly improve people’s overall health especially if they have chronic illnesses. This research study highlighted the urgent need for intensive care for depression patients. There should be more CME programmes for physicians on diagnosis and treatment of depression. … [Read more...]
Recent Comments