Getting help early is the key to beating Depression

One in five Australians will suffer depression – but getting help early can be the key to a faster, fuller recovery and better health.

The Winter 2008 edition of MedicinesTalk is devoted to treating and beating this debilitating condition. And the latest edition of Medicine Update gives an in-depth review of one treatment option.

MedicinesTalk, a free quarterly newsletter written by consumers for consumers, and Medicine Update are published by the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS).

The Deputy Manager of the Community Quality Use of Medicines Program at NPS, Susan Goodman, said treatment for depression could be classed into two broad categories – antidepressant medications and psychological treatments.

“People with moderate and severe depression often have lower than usual levels of certain chemicals found in the brain, and prescription antidepressant medicines can reduce the symptoms of depression by addressing this imbalance,” she said.

“While most herbal and natural remedies have not undergone thorough testing, St John’s wort may also help with mild to moderate depression.”

Antidepressant medicines can be successfully supplemented with counselling. This helps people to think more positively, to cope better with stress and to change behaviour to facilitate faster recovery and help to prevent the depression from recurring.

“Most people benefit from using a combination of treatments,” Ms Goodman said.

“Learning everything they can about their condition and the range of treatments available may help people to find their optimal treatment regimen sooner.”

At www.nps.org.au, consumers can read in more detail about an antidepressant medication, called duloxetine (Cymbalta), which is used to treat major depressive disorder, in Medicine Update. Each edition of this online newsletter for consumers, reviews a medicine that is available on the PBS. Readers are urged to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about the treatments or medicines that may assist them.

The current issue of MedicinesTalk explores how to choose and start a treatment for depression, potential side effects, interactions, what may happen when treatment is changed or stopped, psychological treatments and where to obtain more information.

“Regular physical exercise, relaxation therapy and stress management can also have a significant positive impact on overall health and wellbeing,” Ms Goodman said.

Readers can also obtain more information about a joint campaign by NPS and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) to help people from different cultural backgrounds learn about medicines and how to use them safely. The campaign will launch later in 2008.

Consumers with queries or concerns about medicines should speak to their GP or pharmacist. People can also call the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm EST) and speak to a pharmacist for the cost of a local call.

To read MedicinesTalk and find out about other NPS consumer resources go to www.nps.org.au/consumers or call (02) 8217 8700 to order hard copies.

AAP