Question

Discuss the prognosis for individuals who present with clinical depression. How can society do a better job in handling this pervasive problem?

Answer 1

The factors that influence the prognosis in patients with clinical depression are

1. Psychotic symptoms before the development of depression are associated with poor prognosis
2. Incomplete remission of past episode of depression.
3. Underlying bipolar or schizoaffective disorder
4. Childhood history of depression
5. History of dysthymia
6. History of anxiety disorder in childhood
7. History of long term comorbid condition like hypertension, Diabetes
8. Old age
9. Male gender

The steps society can take are as follows

1. Honoring the basic human rights of an individual
2. Provide a healthy ( physical and mentally) environment for children to grow.
3. Economic empowerment of certain vulnerable group of people - people below the poverty line, women
4. Develop measures/ interventions to deal with the challenges of old age.
5. Resolve social disputes between various groups of people - Natives and immigrants, religious minorities
6. Increase awareness about mental health.
7. Reduce the stigma associated with mental diseases with the help of mass media, celebrities
8. Teach people to stress management skills
9. Provide a helpline for people in need of support.
10. Develop policies to prevent or reduce the burden of drug addiction.
11. Group therapy for people suffering from depression