New Treatment for Depression Cymbalta
Depression
*
*Depression will affect one in five Australians over their lifetime and
woman are more likely to experience depression than men, one in four
females and one in six males.* *
**
Australians living with one of the most common mental disorders,
depression will now have access to a new antidepressant. Cymbalta is the
first treatment for depression in Australia for four years, it is
available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and it works by
treating both the emotional and physical symptoms of depression as 75%
of those with depression also experience physical symptoms. This
treatment is welcomed by the mental health community. Depression which
affects one million Australian adults and over one hundred thousand
young people each year is the most debilitating illness.
Ms Barbara Hocking, Executive Director of SANE Australia says "The
numbers of people being diagnosed with of depression is growing
world-wide and thought to be related in part to improved recognition of
the condition and increased preparedness to seek help." "Females are
diagnosed more often with depression they are more likely than men to
visit a doctor and to have the language to explain how they feel."
Explained Barbara.
SANE provides information, advice and referrals through the SANE
Helpline - 1800 18SANE (7263) - and website
www.sane.org
SANE also produces a range of
user-friendly education resources to help people with depression (and
other mental illnesses), their families and friends understand the early
signs of depression and how it can be treated as well as campaigns for
improved services for and attitudes towards people with mental illness.
SANE also has a website for young people who have a family member with
mental illness.
A Newspoll survey commissioned by Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim,
revealed that 78% of Australians are unaware that depression can be
associated with physical symptoms such as back and joint pain.
Psychiatrist from the Mood Disorders Unit at New Farm Clinic in
Brisbane, Dr Michael Theodoros said, "Although many Australians view
depression purely as an emotional problem, up to 76% of people with
depression experience physical symptoms such as back and joint pain.
While treating the emotional symptoms of depression remains a top
priority, it's extremely important we don't ignore the physical aspect
of depression." Dr Theodoros said.
Cymbalta works on the two neurological pathways, serotonin and
nor-adrenaline to treat not only the emotional symptoms of depression,
but also the lesser acknowledged physical symptoms. Cymbalta will
hopefully combat the 340 million people worldwide who are affected by
depression. 56% of those suffering from depression are too embarrassed
to tell their friends and family about what they are suffering.*
*Although Barbara Hocking explains "While we've had some much-needed
improvements in community attitudes over recent years, unfortunately
there is still stigma associated with depression. This survey tells us
that we must continue with community education activities so that more
people can feel comfortable telling others about their condition without
fear of being mocked, isolated or even losing their job."* *Barbara
explains that* "*It's great if people can be helped to understand that
mental illness is common, treatable and it's 'no shame no blame' ie it's
not the person's fault".
Medication isn't the only way to treat depression explains Barbara "many
people find that psychological treatments/talk therapies help them to
manage their illness and regular activity helps most people with mild to
moderate depression. Others find that medication, in combination with
psychological treatments and activity works best."
It is extremely important that you consult with doctors before deciding
to use Cymbalta and as with all medications; Cymbalta may cause side
effects in some patients including gastrointestinal and neurological
disorders and should not be used in combination with some other
anti-depressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or by people with liver
diseases^.
For further information about depression and appropriate treatment
options, Australians should visit their doctor, call the SANE Helpline
on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or visit the SANE website
www.sane.org **
