Depression can present in different ways in different personalities
The number of people with depression is rising in the UK, and each year 1 in 4 people will experience mental health problems.
There are a number of effective therapies for depression, however only a quarter of those affected in the UK receive treatment.
One of the main barriers to effective care is a lack of communication between a patient and their healthcare professional, which can lead to both poorer quality treatment and outcomes.
To help ease the blight of depression a new app has been developed. Talking Progress is a patient empowerment tool that has been developed by Eli Lilly, to facilitate dialogue between a healthcare professional and their patient in which depression can be discussed, understood and treated.
Dr Ghosh, Adult Consultant Psychiatrist, Cardiff, says: "Poor communication and the limited time available make managing depression difficult in an outpatient setting. This can lead to non-adherence with treatment which in turn may lead to relapse. Talking Progress, an interactive tool, helps establish a good rapport between a patient and their doctor. In my view, this helps the person with depression develop a better understanding of their illness, and more importantly allows them to manage their condition more effectively".
Talking Progress is available as a free, downloadable smartphone app.
Below we have some advice from Dr Tom Stevens, Consultant Psychiatrist at London Bridge Hospital (www.londonbridgehospital.com), on how to spot whether yourself or a loved one might be suffering from depression, and how to seek help.
How do you spot the warning signs that either you or a loved one might be suffering from depression?
Depression can present in different ways in different personalities. However most people will lose their general enthusiasm for life, reduce their social activities and may appear more unhappy, tired and inattentive.
When and how would you recommend seeking help?
Depression can often get better by itself. The first step should be to discuss the problem with those closest to you. The extra support from those who you trust can often be helpful while waiting for things to get better. However if the problem is starting to impact on relationships and work or has been going on for some time then it is worth seeking help. The first step in these circumstances should be your general practitioner. If depression is starting to lead to you feeling that life is not worth living and you are fearful that you might do something, then it is important to get help as soon as possible.
What treatment options are available for depression?
As with many health issues, the main treatment options involve lifestyle, talk and tablets. Much depends on how serious the problem is and the extent to which you can get on with your life. Many people will benefit from an opportunity to talk with an experienced professional such as a psychologist. More disabling depression often needs medication.
Are anti-depressants commonly prescribed? How do they work and what side effects are associated with them?
Depression is a common disease and antidepressants are commonly prescribed. There are many different types of antidepressants with different associated side-effects. Some antidepressants can cause nausea and agitation initially and other antidepressants can cause weight gain and sedation. The type of antidepressant should be discussed with your doctor.
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