Health ShortsDepression
Antidepressants Help Stroke Patients
Stroke patients given antidepressant medication for 12 weeks were less likely to die than those given a placebo, according to a study at the University of Iowa. About 68 percent of subjects given antidepressants were alive nine years later compared to only 36 percent of those taking a placebo.
About 40 percent of patients develop some form of depression within two years of a stroke. The study, however, included subjects who never showed symptoms of depression.
The authors stressed that more studies are needed before antidepressants can be recommended as part of stroke treatment.
[SOURCE: “Depression Tops List of Attending Problems for Rehabilitation Patients: Researchers Advocate Routine Depression Screening,” Rehab Continuum Report, April, 2004] Depression–Cause or Effect
Of Sleep Problems?
Insomnia has long been considered one of the major symptoms of depression, but two recent studies suggest that, at least in some cases, insomnia may be the cause rather than an effect of depression.
In one study, older adults with insomnia but no history of mood disorders were six times more likely to develop depression than similar subjects who slept well. Another study found that symptoms of depression were more likely to linger for a year or longer in depressed patients with insomnia compared to those who were sleeping well.
[SOURCE: Salynn Boyles, “Insomnia May Trigger Depression, Study Shows,” WebMD Medical News, June 24, 2005; 19th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, Denver, June 18-23, 2005] Depression Magnified by Holidays
A recent Australian study found that depression, social isolation and lack of quality social support have a direct association with heart disease. The link between these psychological and social factors was as strong as the link with commonly accepted risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension. Depression and social isolation can be magnified during the holidays where there is social pressure to celebrate and socialize.
[SOURCE: Stephen Bunker, et al, "Stress and Coronary Heart Disease: Psychosocial Risk Factors," The Medical Journal of Australia, March 17, 2003] Depression Screening Now Part
Of Medicare Preventive Examination
Depression screening is included in the one-time Initial Physical Examination offered for the first time this year to new enrollees in Medicare Part B.
For anyone testing positive on the screening exam, Medicare rules call for “education, counseling and referral.”
[SOURCE: Stephen Barlas, “Depression Screening Included in New Medicare Preventive Exams,” Psychiatric Times, February 1, 2005] National Depression Screening Day
Free and anonymous screening for depression and other mood and anxiety disorders will be available on National Depression Screening Day 2005, scheduled for October 6 at more than five thousand sites across the country.
This year’s program will target a number of mental health issues, including bipolar depression, general anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and postpartum depression as well as depression.
For further information call 1-800-520-NDSD or visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org.
[SOURCE: “National Depression Screening Day 2005,” Legislative Network for Nurses, June 6, 2005] Primary Care for SAD
By some estimates, as many as 10 million Americans, mostly those living in northern states, suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of winter depression. The sheer number of persons with SAD makes it logistically impossible for all of these patients to be treated by mental health professionals. Most SAD patients will be seen by primary care physicians who need to be alert for symptoms and aware of treatment options.
[SOURCE: Mary D. Pinkowish, "Effective Treatment for Winter Depression," Patient Care, January 15, 1999] Self Help for Winter Blues
Many Americans experience a milder form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) known as subsyndromal SAD or, more commonly, the winter blues. Symptoms of winter blues include tiredness, lethargy and poor concentration. Self-help strategies for winter blues include getting out in the sun as much as possible (by taking a brisk walk over your lunch hour, for example), eating a healthy diet and maintaining a regular exercise and sleep schedule. If depression persists or grows worse, make an appointment with your doctor.
[SOURCE: Erin Michalak, et al, "How To Recognize When Winter Gloom Becomes an Illness," Pulse, January 7, 2002] Older Americans suffering from macular degeneration or other vision problems have an increased risk of depression that frequently gets overlooked. Patients may see their situation as hopeless and their feelings regarding vision loss often go beyond any disability they suffer. One study found that at least a third of seniors with vision impairment had symptoms of depression. Many ophthalmologists routinely screen for depression.
[SOURCE: “Depression Tops List of Attending Problems for Rehabilitation Patients: Researchers Advocate Routine Depression Screening,” Rehab Continuum Report, April, 2004] Watch for Depression after Stroke
Depression is a common problem for patients recovering from stroke and one that is easily overlooked. Patients have reason to be depressed as they suffer from physical limitations and loss of independence. Stroke patients may worry about their ability to return to work, miss former social interactions and feel guilt about imposing a burden on caregivers. Speech problems can also complicate communications. Caregivers should be alert to signs of depression that go beyond sadness and distress at their altered situation. Signs of depression might include sleep problems, loss of appetite and lack of interest in people and activities that were formerly a source of pleasure. Effective treatment of depression will help keep rehabilitation on track.
[SOURCE: William Bultman, "Caring for a Loved One after a Debilitating Stroke," Stroke-TIA.org] | ArchiveAIDS & HIV |
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