Local docs applaud greater depression screening

Feb. 01--TUPELO -- Tupelo primary care providers welcomed recent national recommendations for broader screening for depression.

"It's definitely a good idea," said Nurse Practitioner Susan Duffie-Bryd, a primary care provider with LifeCore in Tupelo, which provides mental health and primary care services. "There are a significant number of people out there who are suffering needlessly. It's our job to bring it up."

Last week, the U.S Preventive Services Task Force for the first time recommended pregnant women and new moms be screened for depression. The task force also recommended all adults should be screened for depression as part of routine health care; previously the task, amending its early recommendations that adults be screened only if resources were available.

"It's something we're very aware of," said Tupelo obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Ronny Young. "Postpartum depression is so common."

Sometimes the signs of depression are subtle -- fatigue, insomnia, trouble focusing at work -- and people may not connect them with depression. Other times, people may feel uncomfortable directly asking for help. Tupelo family physician Dr. Brad Crosswhite said he and his colleagues have seen good results from using the depression screening as part of the formal Medicare annual exam over the past three years.

"Once you get to know patients and their families, you get turned into their baseline," Crosswhite said, but screening tool has revealed more subtle cases of depression. "It's prompted us to dig deeper."

There's a range of treatment options for depression, including medication, counseling, cognitive behavior therapy, that can work individually or in combination.

With the increased emphasis Mississippi will need to beef up mental health resources and primary care providers will have to make sure they are in the loop.

"It's not as robust as it could be," across the state, Crosswhite said.

Depression can impact anyone, and there are multiple risk factors. A personal crisis, such as loss of a loved one, sometimes precedes depression, but it also can occur without any obvious trigger. Hormones during and immediately after pregnancy can trigger it.

Nearly 7 percent of U.S. adults experience a depressive episode each year, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, feeling hopeless, difficulty concentrating, problems sleeping and loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities. People can experience symptoms, such as headaches or back pain, which can confuse diagnosis.

michaela.morris@journalinc.com

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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