A 47-year-old man with chronic depression
Article Abstract:
The case of a 47-year-old man with chronic depression illustrates the difficulty primary care physicians have in treating this disease. He had suffered from depression for 15 years and felt that many of his symptoms were a result of his two failed marriages and the death of his brother from suicide. He had diabetes but his blood sugar was not well-controlled. He could not consistently participate in psychotherapy because his insurance did not cover it. Depression is two to six times more common in diabetics and depression often prevents them from taking proper care of themselves. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are the mainstay of drug treatment, although newer drugs called serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been introduced. Cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy and physical exercise are also effective. Employers should insist on coverage of depression in any health care package, since depression is the most common cause of absenteeism.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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How can care for depression become more cost-effective?
Article Abstract:
Treatment for depression that centers on the well-established regimen of counseling and appropriate medication management may improve patients' functional outcomes and may increase the value of health care spending. Researchers developed a model to simulate the functional outcomes, treatment costs, and value of care that result from different depression treatment methods to determine the most cost-effective care. The model was based on data from a study of 554 depressed patients that was published in 1989. More appropriate care for depression that consists of increased counseling, the use of appropriate antidepressant medications, and avoiding regular use of minor tranquilizers improved patients' functional status and increased the total costs of care and the value of care. As the costs of care increase, the value of care also increases because each dollar that is spent on treatment provides greater health improvements.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Treating depression in predominantly low-income young minority women: a randomized controlled trial
Article Abstract:
Poor minority women with depression can be successfully treated with medications and cognitive behavior therapy, according to a study of 267 women. Paroxetine and buproprion were the medications used most often. Women who received these treatments had better outcomes than women referred to a community mental health clinic.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2003
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