A recent survey by the Hong Kong Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation has revealed that depression is a more severe problem than anticipated in the city. It estimates that there are over 54,000 patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression, who face a suicide risk 10 times higher than typical depression patients.
The association urged the public to heighten awareness and understanding of depression and has proposed enhancing data tracking, medication application, and cognitive improvements to effectively assist those affected.
Between July and October last year, the association interviewed 106 patients with emotional disorders, of whom 61 were diagnosed with depression. Among these patients, about 80% had experienced suicidal thoughts, and 30% had attempted suicide.
Analysis by the duration of illness showed that among those with depression for 4 to 6 years, the suicide attempt rate was as high as 43%, nearly double the average attempt rate of 23% for treatment-resistant patients. In comparison to international data, the annual suicide attempt rate for general depression patients is 0.43%, while for treatment-resistant patients, it is 4.66%, a tenfold difference.
Dr. Michael Wong Ming-cheuk, the association's chairperson and a specialist in psychiatry, noted that treatment-resistant depression refers to severe depression patients who do not respond adequately to at least two different antidepressants. Research from the University of Hong Kong indicates that about 18% of depression patients develop treatment-resistant depression within six years of diagnosis. With around 300,000 depression patients in Hong Kong, this suggests approximately 54,000 are suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
However, the lack of official statistics from the government has rendered this group largely invisible and unable to receive appropriate treatment.
Currently, treatment options for treatment-resistant depression in Hong Kong primarily include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), both of which take one to several weeks to show effects. Patients often require frequent follow-ups or hospitalization, impacting their daily lives.
Call for Improved Patient Data Tracking
Although Hong Kong has introduced new nasal spray antidepressants, international studies confirm their rapid effectiveness and ability to reduce suicidal tendencies. Last year, only 20 patients in public hospitals received prescriptions for these medications. The association recommends that the government enhance patient data tracking and treatment methods, increase the usage of new nasal spray antidepressants in public hospitals, and boost public education on mental health issues to ensure accurate understanding of depression among citizens.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
Related News:
Comment