Depression Treatment on the Rise: One Doctor's Point of View North Pole AK

Treatment for depression is on the rise. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of Americans treated for depression rose from 1.7 million to 6.3 million between the years 1987 and 1997. The study, from Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, also found that the proportion of those receiving antidepressant medication doubled in that time.

Psychiatrist Dr. John Abess has been instrumental in developing inpatient psychiatric treatment programs at a number of hospitals, and is currently the chief of the division of psychiatry for Bon Secours St. Francis and Roper Hospitals in Charleston, S.C. He maintains a full time private practice and is also the Medical Director for the Day Patient Program at Palmetto Behavioral Health Systems. Below, Dr. Abess shares his own thoughts about the recent growth in treatment numbers, and the changing face of depression care today.

What do you think this rise in numbers of people treated for depression means?

I believe the increase in numbers has occurred partly because more Americans are dispelling the notion that depression represents a weakness in a person's character. Instead, depression is being thought of, more correctly, as a biochemical disregulation within the brain itself. Therefore, people are more willing to acknowledge they have a depression.

Copyright 2009 NBC Health

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