Free Depression tests offered at German specialist clinic in DHCC to help detect and reduce one of the most common health problems which often leads to death

Dubai, April 14, 2009: As Depression Awareness Week, April 21-26, 2009, looms on the horizon; a Dubai-based specialist explains the condition and gives some insight into how to avoid developing this common condition and recognising it as quickly as possible in friends, family and colleagues.

And to mark Depression Awareness Week, German Center for Neurology and Psychiatry (GNP) in Dubai Healthcare City is offering free Depression Tests for those wondering whether they might be suffering from symptoms. The doors of the German Center for Neurology and Psychiatry will be open all day on Thursday April 23, 2009, when a scientific test and short consultation with a German expert will be offered to anyone pre-registered for the day.

According to the Depression Alliance, one in five people suffer from temporary depressive symptoms at some point in their lives. An estimated three out of ten members of the workforce suffer from genuine depression and studies show employees suffering from depression are off work for an average of 30 days with each bout of sickness. More than 2.9 million people are diagnosed as having depression at any one time but 70 per cent of all cases are neither recognised nor treated.

The World Health Organisation says that by the year 2020, depression will be second only to chronic heart disease as an international health burden. Depression affects around 120 million people worldwide and this number is projected to increase. Fewer than 25 per cent of those affected worldwide have access to adequate treatment and health care and the number of untreated depressions in the UAE is most likely even higher. Even though effective medical treatment can be provided by a psychiatrist, very often the patients don't find their way to a specialist clinic.

Depression is one of the main causes of death in developed countries. In Germany around 4,500 people are killed each year by road traffic accidents but around three times this number die of suicide, which is a result of depression in the majority of cases. The number of attempted suicides in Germany is estimated at over 10 times this figure.

The good news is that more than 80 per cent of people suffering from depression can be helped with appropriate treatment after a secured diagnosis. Depression specialist Doctor Michael Grundmann, who recently arrived from Germany as a resident senior neurological consultant at the GNP clinic, explains the problem of depression is also prevalent in the UAE, but often for different reasons than in other countries.

"Depression often stems from work-related problems and the stressful work of expatriates in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular, is not dealt with in the same way as might be the case in their homelands. Often separated from family or friends, expatriates here commonly do not have the same social support network, which is essential for reducing stress levels and fending off the onset of chronic stress and depression.

"Depression is not a disease that happens to weak people. There is no shame to be attached as it is a biological condition. Tests have shown depressive symptoms in all kind of creatures, even as small as mice," says Dr Grundmann.

"Depression is most common between 20-35 years of age, during the prime earning years, as people tend to heap the most pressure upon themselves to make money and achieve success, often not realising the stresses this brings. Interestingly enough, there is a second high risk age between 60-65, when adults wind down their working life and again unexpected problems come along, such as a sense of worthlessness and unusual amounts of free time that have to be organised. Unexpected events such as the death of a dear person or the recent economic crisis can also lead to depression, which should be treated immediately in order to prevent a chronic development.

Dr Grundmann adds: "By raising awareness about depression in UAE we can help make employers more knowledgeable about this condition and more sympathetic towards employees who are affected. Changes in day-to-day behaviour such as not being able to cope with the workload any longer, loss of motivation, absenteeism or signs of distraction are all warning signals at the early stages of depression."

Depression describes a range of moods from the low spirits we all experience from time to time, eventually growing to a severe problem, which interferes with everyday life if not treated. It can affect anyone of any culture, background or age. Around twice as many women as men seek help for depression, however, it is thought that this merely reflects a greater readiness in women to discuss their problems.

Depression is brought about through the interaction between external and internal stresses, genetic factors and biochemical changes in the brain. Due to this complex mixture, it can be difficult for doctors to recognise and sort out the symptoms, since people suffering from depression often complain of physical problems, such as headaches, lethargy, stomach upsets or joint pain, rather than of a low mood for instance. 

There are a few main treatment options and the most important is the use of selected drugs to reorganise the biochemical disturbances in the brain. These anti-depressant drugs act by increasing the activity of those brain chemicals which affect the way we feel. Optimally this medication is combined with talking or alternative therapy. 'Talking treatment' or cognitive behavioural therapy is based upon the fact that the way we feel is partly dependent on the way we think about ourselves and what is happening to us. Alternative remedies are often used in mild cases by applying herbal remedies such as St John's Wart.

Dr Grundmann adds: "Of course the workplace is not the only cause of depression but it is one very important factor for most people. By raising awareness at the workplace and by improving working conditions, we can help to reduce the instances of depression, helping those who are affected to recover more quickly but also helping employers and the economy by reducing sick leave dramatically.

"If you suspect that you or someone in your family or social surroundings might be depressed, you should seek expert advice to assist you in finding the right medical treatment as soon as possible and to help you change your lifestyle, which would be the most effective long-term solution.

"You can contribute by exercising more, by avoiding alcohol and by trying relaxation techniques such as meditation. Under the guidance of your doctor you could consider giving some alternative therapies a chance and even look into attending a local self help group such as the one we at GNP intend to establish soon in DHCC."

Anyone wishing for a free depression test is invited to call +971 04 429 8578 or visit www.gnp-dubai.com.

Top 10 Sources of Stress at Work (according to the Depression Alliance)

1. Time and Space - stress caused by staff feeling they have to do everything at the same time.

2. Employees not knowing what will be expected of them.

3. Lack of job fulfilment.

4. Members of staff feeling their contribution is not valued.

5. E-mail and voice-mail overload.

6. Clarity from the top - where the company is going etc.

7. Poor distribution of work and resulting overload.

8. Lack of personal interaction and communication, including face to face contact, not just E-mail.

9. Feeling of exclusion - in consultation, in decision making, etc.

10. Lack of autonomy and feeling of trust.  

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For more media information or a one-to-one interview, please contact Ian Hainey on +971 50 466 1368 or email ianhainey@hotmail.com

© Press Release 2009