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A depressed
person's ability to participate in and enjoy family, personal
and community activities is critical to success in fully overcoming
depression, according to a survey of more than 700 adults
previously diagnosed with depression.
Nearly
one third of patients who recovered reported that the strongest
indicator that they were able to go on and live life free
from depression was the ability to re-engage in family life,
followed by participation in hobbies and community service.
"The
GOAL survey confirms what I see in my own patients -- achieving
remission of depression symptoms allows people to take pleasure
again in the activities most meaningful to them, which they
could not undertake while depressed or when not on the right
therapy," said Dr. Norman Sussman, clinical professor
of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine.
"Too
many doctors and patients are settling for a partial response
to depression treatment, which doesn't let people get back
to a full quality of life. Patients and their doctors should
be looking for options that have the greatest likelihood of
getting them there," Sussman said.
The survey
was conducted as part of the new GOAL! "Go On And Live"
awareness campaign, helping to illustrate what it means to
be free from depression. Of those interviewed, 501 reported
that they had achieved remission of their depression symptoms.
The survey
asked patients suffering from depression about symptoms they
experienced and activities they used to enjoy. The patients
were also asked if they had achieved remission of symptoms.
After
remission, the patients were six times more likely to be satisfied
with their quality of life than those still suffering from
depression. The majority of patients enjoying remission from
their depression reported returning to activities they could
not do while depressed, including participating in family
life, indoor hobbies, community service and volunteer work,
exercise, and creating art.
Source:
Depression Week
of May 5, 2002
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