(September 25, 2007 - Insidermedicine) People with depression who participate in a workplace outreach support program report fewer symptoms and improved productivity, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Depression is a serious medical illness that affects more than 20 million American adults, and costs society billions of dollars due largely to reduced productivity at work.

Here is some more information about depression:
•    Depression is the most treatable of mental illnesses.
•    Diagnosis is usually based on having at least five of the following symptoms for at least two weeks: depressed mood; loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities; significant appetite or weight gain or loss; sleeping too little or too much; feeling restless or jittery, or slower than normal; fatigue; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; impaired thinking; suicidal thoughts.
•    Treatment usually includes medication and/or psychological counseling.

In the present study, researchers enrolled more than 600 employees who were identified as having significant depression and who were covered by a behavioural health plan. Half of the workers were offered a telephone-based intervention program which encouraged them to enter outpatient treatment, monitored treatment quality continuity, and attempted to improve treatment by giving recommendations to providers. Those not willing to enter treatment were offered structured behaviour therapy via telephone. The other half of the patients received usual care.

The researchers found that workers in the telephone outreach intervention group were 40% more likely to recover from depression, 70% more likely to keep their jobs, and worked more per week than those in the conventional care group. The results suggest that workplace-based depression programs result in improved health and quality of life for workers and significant financial benefits for employers.

If you suffer from depression, or think you may have depression, talk to your doctor about treatment options. If you have health coverage at work, ask your employer about a workplace support program.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.