Mood Disorders.PPT

Depression and African Americans Higher risk due to SES Misdiagnosis Mistrust of medical system Cultural barriers Primary reliance on family and church “Masked” by medical conditions, somatic complaints or substance abuse SES limiting access to medical care African American Attitudes toward depression (National Mental Health Association, 1996) 63% (vs. 54%) “depression is a personal weakness” Only 31% believed depression is a health problem Only 20% said they would seek treatment Only 25% connected change in eating habits or sleep with depression; 16% irritability Only 33% said they would take medication for depression (vs. 69% of general population) 67% believed prayer faith alone would successfully treat depression “almost all of the time or some of the time.” Depression and the Elderly Depression is NOT a normal part of aging, although 58% of elders believe this 6 million affected, most women, 10% tx’d 15% in community vs. 25% in ECFs Often misinterpreted as medical condition Elders with comorbid depression have 50% higher health care costs; Depression is often secondary 40% experience reoccurrence Only 38% believe it is a “health problem” Only 42% would seek professional help ECT efficacious Polypharmacy Undermedication Suicide the Elderly Most at risk, 50% higher; 2/3 are due to untreated depression 20-25% of all suicides occur in the elderly EA men over 80 are 6x more likely Many have recently visited their PCP 20% the same day 40% within one week 70% within one month Suicide Incidence History Age/Gender/Race? Marital Status Life Stress Psychiatric Disorders Parasuicidal behaviors Children Adolescents Assessment Prevention Contracts----Baker Act Mood Disorders Mental Problems Related to Mood Mood episodes Mood Disorders Specifiers Mood Sustained emotion that colors the way we view life. Mood D/O’s seen in 20% of women and 10% of men* 50% of typical mental health practice Male Risk Factors Isolation Anhedonia Limited Physical Activity Limited Self-ref