Depression awareness training for GPs
Protect life: a shared vision identified GP training as one the most effective ways to prevent suicide.¹ As a result, a depression awareness training programme for GPs has been developed by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) in partnership with the four Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts and Aware Defeat Depression. The training, developed in response to actions outlined in Protect life: a shared vision, the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan and the Promoting Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan starts today and will continue throughout February and March 2007.1, 2
An estimated 100,000 people in Northern Ireland suffer from depression at some point and it is predicted that depression will be the second leading cause of disability worldwide within the next 10 years. 3, 4
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “Improving detection and subsequent treatment of depression has been shown to be an effective intervention in suicide prevention. Depression affects every aspect of a person’s life and is one of the leading causes of disability. Those with persistent depression can suffer more impairment of their quality of life than, for example, people with arthritis, diabetes or back pain.5
“Approximately half of those with depression do not seek the advice of their GP and of those who do seek help many will not receive adequate treatment.6 This can be due to symptoms going unrecognised, or being considered normal in certain groups. Additionally many doctors find it difficult to diagnose depression, especially if symptoms are not accurately described by the patient.
“Research carried out by the HPA found that almost 7 in 10 (67%) people in Northern Ireland would most likely turn to their GP for help if they thought they had a mental health problem.7 Therefore it is vital that GPs are given the necessary support to effectively recognise and assess depression in their patients and provide the best treatment available.”
There will be places for up to 350 GPs at the training sessions, which are to be held throughout the four Health and Social Services Board and Trust areas. The training will deal with the assessment, management and treatment of depression, how to help a patient get the most from their appointment, as well as communication skills, self-help resources and local referral pathways. A fact sheet produced by the HPA and Aware Defeat Depression to support the training will also be made available with other supporting resources.
Sharon Sinclair, Chief Executive of Aware Defeat Depression, said: “The goal of our charity is to enable people affected by depression to seek and find help to recover. We are pleased through this initiative to be able to play our part in supporting the frontline role of GPs in this process. The programme will raise awareness of depression and the complementary support available for individuals from Aware Defeat Depression through our helpline, information services and 20 local self help groups.
END
Notes to the editor:
Further details about the depression awareness training are available at: www.healthpromotionagency.org.uk/work/training/courses/pdfs/gpdepression2007.pdf
To find out more about Aware Defeat Depression telephone the helpline 0845 120 2961. This operates Monday – Friday from 10.00am – 4.00pm.
1 Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Protect life: a shared vision. The Northern Ireland suicide prevention strategy and action plan 2006-2011. Belfast: DHSSPS, 2006.
2 Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Promoting mental health strategy and action plan 2003-2008. Belfast: DHSSPS, 2003.
3 National Office of Statistics. Psychiatric morbidity among adults living in private households 2000. London: HMSO, 2002.
4 World Health Organisation (WHO).
5 Clinical Standards Advisory Group. Services for people with depression. London: HMSO, 1999.
6 Meltzer H et al. The reluctance to seek treatment for neurotic disorders. Journal of Mental Health 2000; 9(3): 319-327.
7 Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland. Public attitudes, perceptions and understanding of mental health in Northern Ireland. Belfast: HPA, March 2006.
For further information contact:
Jenny Dougan at the HPA on Tel: 028 9031 1611 or 9031 1514.
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