Depression is a common affliction and presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in regular activities, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration. Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent and disabling form of depression. In addition to the immediate symptoms of depression, MDD results in poor quality of life overall, decreased productivity, and can increase mortality from suicide. Social difficulties including stigma, loss of employment, and marital conflict as a result of depression can also occur. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance misuse are common co-occurring conditions that may worsen the existing depression and complicate treatment.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an estimated 16 million American adults -- almost 7% of the population -- had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression, and young adults aged 18-25 are 60% more likely to have depression than people aged 50 or older. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), MDD ranked first worldwide among the leading causes of disability. Although depression can be a devastating illness, it often responds to treatment. There are a variety of treatment options available for people with depression including drugs and psychotherapy. Deciding which of these treatment options would provide the most benefit for a patient can be challenging.
Recently the VA/DoD completed a joint project to update their clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the treatment of MDD. The updated CPG provides valuable guidance for clinicians in both assessing and managing patients with MDD. The guideline reviews the latest evidence on MDD and then makes recommendations for treatment based on that evidence. Use of the updated VA/DoD CPG for the treatment of MDD will maximize the care for all patients with MDD.
The VA/DoD Major Depressive Disorder CPG is now available on the Army website at: https://www.qmo.amedd.army.mil/pguide.htm or on the VA website at: http://www.healthquality.va.gov/
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