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Depression

Depression Panalists PictureMedical professionals today estimate that potentially one in five Americans will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder, including depression.  That's 44 million adults and 4 million children.  However, the data suggest primary care physicians do not always recognize depression.

 

This episode of Second Opinion brings together a panel of medical experts and health care providers - plus the First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Jo Codey, who shares her own battle with depression. Together, they explore the likely causes and symptoms of this condition, as well as current trends in diagnosis and treatment.  Along the way, they address such central concerns as:

 

  • Am I just "down," or is this a genuine illness?
  • Can depression ultimately be overcome and life return to normal?
  • Are all treatments "legitimate," and which would be best for me?

There is a diagnostic manual that mental health professionals use to answer these questions.  If you, or somebody you know, has experienced a profound change in mood or a general loss of interest, you won't want to miss this episode of Second Opinion.
 
Learn more about Depression:
 
Key Point 1: Depression is a serious health condition that is under recognized. It is not a normal state of being. When you are depressed you are at risk up to and including the risk of death.
Key Point 2: Depression can be a neurochemical disease causing major personal disability. In fact, it is the number 2 cause of disability in the world.
Key Point 3: Remission is the goal of treatment for depression. When depression is treated properly, benefits can include significant symptom reduction and even remission, as well as overall improved health and quality of life. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and other therapy including electroconvulsive therapy.
Conduct an off-site search for Depression information from MedlinePlus.  These up-to-date search results are based on search terms specific to Second Opinion Key Points.
 
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