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Depression – a practical guide
According to the World Health Organization, major depression
is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the most common
and widespread of all psychiatric disorders, with one in five
people affected by the condition at some point in their life.
The WHO estimates that by the year 2020, major depression will
be second only by chronic heart disease as an international
health burden.
Almost 3 million people in the UK are diagnosed as having depression
at any one time, but still as many as three in four cases of
depression are neither recognised nor treated.
Frontline staff are not immune, in fact it appears that health
and social care staff are particularly vulnerable. Their clients
are also more likely, because of social and economic conditions,
to suffer depression without detection or treatment. About 1
in 6 people who experience severe depression eventually commit
suicide and 70% of recorded suicides are by people who have
experienced some form of depression.
Depression is one of the most widely researched of the human
afflictions and yet still remains one of the most misunderstood
by lay people and professionals. In fact depression responds
well to treatment in around three quarters of cases and if done
correctly sufferers do not relapse.
This course equips staff with a general understanding of what
depression is and how it can best be tackled. The aim is not
to equip staff with therapeutic skills but they will learn how
to be more resourceful in identifying depression and speaking
about is in a constructive, informed and helpful way with their
clients.
Objectives
- To provide a clinically sound yet common
sense outline
- Develop a good general understanding
of depression
- Recognise the symptoms and common indicators
- Demystify this common condition
- Feel more empowered when dealing with
depressed person
- Spot the risk factors in themselves and
others
- Be aware of the most productive courses
of action
Contents
What is depression
Different models and views on depression
The risks associated with depression
Individuals, couples and families
Depression in children
Illness, dysfunction and natural responses
Depression & suicide
What leads to depression
Who is most at risk
Talking to depressed person
Emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physical components
Symptoms, identification and treatments
Drug treatment
Psychotherapy for depression
Contra-indications
What not to do with a depressed person
Risk assessment
Seeking help and making referrals
Further resources, reading list etc
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