Depression has a worthwhile treatment

According to a new study, screening of patients suffering from depression in a primary care visit was found to be done on a regular basis.When you visit the doctor, he or she may carry out routine checks of your health, such as measuring blood pressure. According to some experts it is too complicated to screen for depression while others believe it could be worthwhile.Researchers at the Hopkins University in USh have analysed all the data relating to depression screening.

They find that where a screening programme is in place, between seven and ten per cent more depressed patients improve six months after screening and treatment. So there is a real therapeutic benefit to screening. It need not be complicated either. The doctor asks two questions: 'Are you currently sad or depressed?' and 'Are the things that previously brought you pleasure no longer bringing you pleasure?' If a patient answers 'yes' to one or both, then further examination and, if appropriate, treatment, must follow.Hence this approach will lead to improvements in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of depression.