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Major Depression is a disease that strikes millions of people all over the world. In the United States alone, this devastating mental illness affects about 18 million people. It can be devastating to the individual, the family, society, and in the workplace. In 1992, the costs associated with treating major depression were an estimated $43.7 billion dollars.
Major Depression is far more than a bad case of the blues. It is not a disease someone is likely to "beat alone" or simply "get over" without help. Major Depression is a medical condition just like diabetes or heart disease, and needs medical attention in order to be treated. Fortunately, 80 to 90 percent of cases can be successfully treated.
Symptoms of the disease include feeling a lack of self-worth, the inability to enjoy life, feelings of hopelessness and futility, difficulty sleeping, and frequent crying. Being in an inescapable mood void can lead to drug and alcohol abuse and possibly suicide.
In order to help advance the treatment and understanding of depression, Pfizer, Inc has initiated programs to help improve awareness, diagnosis, and compliance.
Pfizer's LINK program aims to raise awareness of depression and its treatability in the workforce. It is a comprehensive educational tool designed to make employers and employees more aware of this illness. Since 2.25% of the American workforce is adversely affected by depression, and depression related absenteeism and lost productivity costs employers about $23 billion dollars annually, this program could be a major aid to helping individuals remain productive and reduce the stigma attached to this mental illness.
Pfizer's Prime MD program gives physicians a step-by-step guide to help diagnose depression sufferers more accurately. This program is necessary since a JAMA study indicated that primary care physicians and office settings fail to diagnose and treat 50 to 75 percent of patients suffering from common mental disorders.
Pfizer's Rhythms program is designed to improve patient compliance with treatment therapies, and is timed to reach the patient at key intervals in the depressive cycle. Only 50 percent of patients diagnosed with depression actually complete their prescribed course of medication, and between 50 and 80 percent of people who go through a depressive episode have a recurrence. This program aims at reducing the risk of recurrence and helping patients recover fully once and for all.
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