New Treatment for Depression Cymbalta

Depression

**Depression will affect one in five Australians over their lifetime and woman are more likely to experience depression than men, one in four females and one in six males.* *

**Australians living with one of the most common mental disorders, depression will now have access to a new antidepressant. Cymbalta is the first treatment for depression in Australia for four years, it is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and it works by treating both the emotional and physical symptoms of depression as 75% of those with depression also experience physical symptoms. This treatment is welcomed by the mental health community. Depression which affects one million Australian adults and over one hundred thousand young people each year is the most debilitating illness.

Ms Barbara Hocking, Executive Director of SANE Australia says "The numbers of people being diagnosed with of depression is growing world-wide and thought to be related in part to improved recognition of the condition and increased preparedness to seek help." "Females are diagnosed more often with depression they are more likely than men to visit a doctor and to have the language to explain how they feel." Explained Barbara.

SANE provides information, advice and referrals through the SANE Helpline - 1800 18SANE (7263) - and website www.sane.org

SANE also produces a range of user-friendly education resources to help people with depression (and other mental illnesses), their families and friends understand the early signs of depression and how it can be treated as well as campaigns for improved services for and attitudes towards people with mental illness. SANE also has a website for young people who have a family member with mental illness.

A Newspoll survey commissioned by Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim, revealed that 78% of Australians are unaware that depression can be associated with physical symptoms such as back and joint pain. Psychiatrist from the Mood Disorders Unit at New Farm Clinic in Brisbane, Dr Michael Theodoros said, "Although many Australians view depression purely as an emotional problem, up to 76% of people with depression experience physical symptoms such as back and joint pain. While treating the emotional symptoms of depression remains a top priority, it's extremely important we don't ignore the physical aspect of depression." Dr Theodoros said.

Cymbalta works on the two neurological pathways, serotonin and nor-adrenaline to treat not only the emotional symptoms of depression, but also the lesser acknowledged physical symptoms. Cymbalta will hopefully combat the 340 million people worldwide who are affected by depression. 56% of those suffering from depression are too embarrassed to tell their friends and family about what they are suffering.* *Although Barbara Hocking explains "While we've had some much-needed improvements in community attitudes over recent years, unfortunately there is still stigma associated with depression. This survey tells us that we must continue with community education activities so that more people can feel comfortable telling others about their condition without fear of being mocked, isolated or even losing their job."* *Barbara explains that* "*It's great if people can be helped to understand that mental illness is common, treatable and it's 'no shame no blame' ie it's not the person's fault".

Medication isn't the only way to treat depression explains Barbara "many people find that psychological treatments/talk therapies help them to manage their illness and regular activity helps most people with mild to moderate depression. Others find that medication, in combination with psychological treatments and activity works best."

It is extremely important that you consult with doctors before deciding to use Cymbalta and as with all medications; Cymbalta may cause side effects in some patients including gastrointestinal and neurological disorders and should not be used in combination with some other anti-depressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or by people with liver diseases^.

For further information about depression and appropriate treatment options, Australians should visit their doctor, call the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or visit the SANE website www.sane.org


**