The management of depression

摘要

Depression is a common and recurrent illness accounting for significant morbidity worldwide. Untreated depression increases the risk of death from suicides, accidents, heart disease, respiratory disorders and strokes. In addition, patients with diabetes, epilepsy or ischaemic heart disease have poorer long-term outcomes if they suffer from depression. The effective treatment and management of depression is a challenge for all healthcare professionals. Pharmacists, in particular, have an important role to play to ensure the safe and effective use of antidepressants.