ARLINGTON, VA, Nov 10 (MARKET WIRE) --
Americans do not believe they know much about depression, but are highly
aware of the risks of not receiving care, according to a survey released
by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
See full survey results at http://www.nami.org/depression.
The survey provides a "three dimensional" measurement of responses from
members of the general public who do not know anyone with depression,
caregivers of adults diagnosed with depression, and adults actually living
with the illness.
-- Seventy-one percent of the public sample said they are not familiar
with depression, but 68 percent or more know specific consequences that can
come from not receiving treatment -- including suicide (84 percent).
-- Sixty-two percent believe they know some symptoms of depression, but
39 percent said they do not know many or any at all.
One major finding: almost 50 percent of caregivers who responded had
been diagnosed with depression themselves, but only about 25 percent said
they were engaged in treatment.
Almost 60 percent of people living with depression reported that they rely
on their primary care physicians rather than mental health professionals
for treatment. Medication and "talk therapy" are primary treatments -- if
a person can get them -- but other options are helpful.
-- Fifteen percent of people living with depression use animal therapy
with 54 percent finding it to be "extremely" or "quite a bit" helpful.
Those using prayer and physical exercise also ranked them high in
helpfulness (47 percent and 40 percent respectively).
-- When people living with depression discontinue medication or talk
therapy, cost is a common reason, but other significant factors include a
desire "to make it on my own," whether they believe the treatment is
actually working and in the case of medication, side effects.
"The survey reveals gaps and guideposts on roads to recovery," said
NAMI Executive Director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "It tells what has been
found helpful in treating depression. It can help caregivers better
anticipate stress that will confront them. It reflects issues that need
to be part of ongoing health care reform."
"There are many treatment strategies," said NAMI Medical Director Ken
Duckworth. "What often works is a combination of treatments that fit a
person and their lifestyle.
"Research indicates that the combination of medication and psychotherapy
are most effective. But physical exercise, prayer, music therapy, yoga,
animal therapy and other practices all can play a role.
"The good news is that 80 percent or more of the public recognize that
depression is a medical illness, affecting people of all ages, races and
socioeconomic groups, which can be treated."
Harris Interactive conducted the survey for NAMI on-line between September
29 and October 7, 2009. Participants included 1,015 persons who did not
know anyone diagnosed with depression, 513 persons living with depression
and 263 caregivers of a family member or significant other diagnosed with
depression.
The survey was made possible with support from AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers
Squibb, Eli Lilly & Co. and Wyeth. NAMI does not endorse or promote any
specific medication, treatment, product or service.
About NAMI:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots
mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals
and families affected by mental illness. NAMI has over 1100 state and
local affiliates that engage in research, education, support and advocacy.
http://www.nami.org/
http://twitter.com/namicommunicate
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NAMI/85273022315
http://www.youtube.com/user/NAMIvideo
Contact:
Christine Armstrong
703-312-7983
christinea@nami.org
3803 North Fairfax Drive, 22203
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.
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