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Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by
sadness, loss of interest in activities and by decreased energy. Depression
is differentiated from normal mood changes by the extent of its severity, the
symptoms and the duration of the disorder. It is estimated that 5-10% of the
population at any given time is suffering from identifiable depression need
psychiatric treatment or psychosocial intervention. The life-time risk of
developing depression is 10-20% in females and slightly less in males.
Despite the seriousness of depression as a disease and
the availability of effective treatment, only 30% of cases worldwide receive
appropriate care. Regrettably, the situation is much worse in the Member
Countries of the WHO South East Asian Region.
Depressive disorders are common, causing a very high
level of disease burden, and are expected to show a rising trend during the
coming 20 years.
With the availability of newer medications,
non-pharmacological therapies like psychotherapy and cognitive therapy, and
the abundant social and family support available to patients in our Region,
there is absolutely no reason why any one should continue to suffer from
depression.
The document “Conquering
Depression” has been prepared by experts from the Region provides
valuable information for the lay public and policy-makers regarding the
current state of knowledge about depression. More importantly, it describes
ways and means by which anyone “can get out of the blues”.
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