File: pr064571.txt Type: Press Release Release Date: 30-Nov-1999 Source: [PR Newswire] (485800 NYTU02738991130) Visit the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association NEWSdesk Page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most Patients Report Troublesome Side Effects, Modest Improvement Using Current Antidepression Treatments New Survey Also Shows Dissatisfaction With Treatment and Care Among People With Depression CHICAGO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/NEWSdesk -- A majority of people treated for depression report troublesome medication side effects and only modest improvement in their condition, according to a survey released today by the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (National DMDA), the nation's largest patient-led, illness-specific advocacy organization. In the online survey of 1,370 people treated for depression in the United States, fewer than one-third say they are very satisfied with the treatment of their disease. Despite treatment, most respondents say that depression moderately or extremely impaired their social life (81%), family life (79%) and work performance (72%) in the last month. "This survey gives a voice to many depression sufferers who cannot tolerate their antidepressant medication or aren't satisfied with the improvement in symptoms," says Lydia Lewis, executive director of the National DMDA. "While we know that treatment works for more than 80% of those suffering from a depressive illness, we still urgently need new strategies for managing depression. The solutions lie in continued research and improved dialogue between patients and physicians." The survey, conducted online through the National DMDA website this summer, screened for participants who had been treated for depression. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of respondents were being treated for symptoms of depression at the time of the survey. Members of all adult age ranges were represented, and three out of four respondents were female. Side effects of current antidepressants -- experienced by 80% of those surveyed -- are having a negative impact on patients' willingness to continue treatment. Due to side effects, 17% of those surveyed stopped taking their medication and eight percent (8%) missed at least one dose per week. The most commonly reported side effect of medication was drowsiness, with 60% of medication-takers feeling tired. Other side effects include headaches, sleeplessness, agitation, nausea or other gastrointestinal problems and sexual dysfunction. Although 61% of respondents say they are somewhat or very satisfied with their medication treatment for depression, 25% say they have experienced no change in their condition since they sought help. When asked about improvement in the core symptoms of depression, 40% have seen no improvement in their fatigue or loss of energy -- symptoms common to 96% of respondents. Similarly, of individuals reporting a sad and gloomy mood during their depression, more than 28% experienced no change in this symptom, and for a third common problem -- loss of pleasure -- 35% have shown no improvement with medication. Another significant survey finding addressed the patient-doctor treatment relationship with more than two-thirds of the respondents reporting a less than satisfactory relationship. More than half reported not feeling understood. Among the other reasons for this dissatisfaction were "not feeling he/she cared;" "not feeling he/she took my depression seriously;" "not feeling he/she had the latest knowledge about treatment;" and "not feeling respected." "A good patient-healthcare provider relationship is important for the successful treatment of depressive illnesses because we are trusting someone with our lives," says National DMDA's Lewis. Results from this survey mirror findings of earlier studies in this area. According to a National DMDA consensus statement on the undertreatment of depression published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1997, studies have shown that the vast majority of individuals with chronic major depression are misdiagnosed, receive inappropriate or inadequate treatment, or are given no treatment at all. Only one in 10 Americans receives adequate treatment for depression. Drug Treatment There are currently more than 20 antidepressant prescription medications available. In the past two decades, research in depression has focused primarily on affecting the levels of serotonin -- a key neurotransmitter -- in the brain. Norepinephrine is another key neurotransmitter. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the newer dual-action medications -- serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) -- are safer in terms of the risk of toxic overdoses when compared with some older medications. Researchers are currently exploring a new class of antidepressants, highly selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), which may increase energy, interest and motivation in some patients. However, because they work solely on norepinephrine, reportedly selective NRIs may not have the same side effect profile associated with serotonin-related therapies. "No one antidepressant works the same for everyone with depression," says Dennis Charney, M.D., Deputy Chairman, Academic and Scientific Affairs, Yale University School of Medicine. "Each medication affects individuals differently. Physicians and patients should work together to explore all of the classes of antidepressant medication and determine the best treatment for their situation." Burden of Depression Depression affects nearly 10% of adult Americans ages 18 or older in a given year, or more than 20 million people in 1999, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Major depressive disorder (unipolar depression) is the leading cause of disability in the United States and ranks as one of the 10 most costly illnesses in this country. Reported costs range from $44 billion to $65 billion, with only 27% spent for direct treatment and 17% representing lives lost to suicide. The remaining 56% is due to workplace issues of diminished productivity and absenteeism, generally due to untreated depression symptoms. The online survey was conducted by the National DMDA with an unrestricted educational grant from Pharmacia & Upjohn. For more information about depression and its treatment, contact the National DMDA at +1 800-826-3632 or http://www.ndmda.org. Among the free publications available is the most recent, up-to-date treatment brochure, "Finding Peace of Mind: Medication Strategies for Depression." National DMDA represents the voices of more than 23 million Americans living with depressive illnesses. Founded in 1986, National DMDA is that nation's largest patient-run, illness-specific organization, committed to the mission of educating the public that depression is a treatable illness. National DMDA has a grassroots network of nearly 300 chapters and support groups around the country. National DMDA is a partner with National Depression Screening Day, the Campaign on Clinical Depression and National Anxiety Screening Day. SOURCE National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association Web site: http://www.ndmda.org CONTACT: Valerie J. Williams of the National DMDA, +1 312-988-1153; or Jennifer P. Nemetz of Ketchum, +1 212-448-4456, for the National DMDA IN: HEA