Depression Alliance Calls Time On The Depression Epidemic Amongst People With Long Term Conditions, UK

Depression Alliance is calling on politicians of all colours to exert their collective energy on how the NHS reforms can address the epidemic of depression in people with long term conditions. The UK's leading depression charity has joined forces with the UK's major charities to highlight how better management of depression in people with long term condition can realise the NHS twin goals of improved outcomes and efficiency savings.

It is estimated that almost one in three of the adult UK population (roughly 17 million) have one or more long term conditions - such as, heart disease, stroke and diabetes - and as the population ages this proportion is set to increase. People with long term conditions are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population, which is inextricably linked with poorer health outcomes, and a 50% increase in the costs of long term care.

Currently 75-85% of healthcare expenditure is estimated to be related to chronic disease, whilst 80% of GP consultations and 60% of hospital bed usage relates to a long term condition. As the NHS faces unprecedented pressure to deliver efficiency saving's, as part of Depression Awareness Week, the UK's leading charity for depression and anxiety Depression Alliance, is calling on the Government to recognise the need for better diagnosis and management of depression in people with, or affected by, long term conditions; and to ensure the provision of joined up, integrated working across local health, social care, and public health services, in order to:

- Improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions;

- Reduce the impact of depression on the cost of treating and managing long term conditions; and ultimately;

- Reduce the burden that long term conditions and depression has on the NHS, and wider society, and thereby deliver tangible efficiency savings across the health service.

Emer O'Neill, Chief Executive of Depression Alliance said:

"People with long term conditions are twice as likely as the general population to suffer from depression. With this in mind, whilst the nation focuses on how we can reform the NHS, I am urging that during depression week policy-makers and all those involved in the NHS reform debate consider one of the biggest health challenges the NHS faces. Good diagnosis, treatment and management of depression in people with long term conditions can have a huge impact on positive health outcomes and reducing the cost of treating long term conditions."

She added "Reforms to the NHS, no matter who is holding the budget, must support the delivery of joined up and integrated working across the health, social care, and public health services, so that we can improve the opportunity for recovery in depression and support people in leading better quality lives." 

The following organisations and supporters have signed up to the call to action:

- Diabetes UK
- The Stroke Association
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Society
- Mental Health Providers Forum

Ailsa Bosworth, CEO National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society:

"Depression is common amongst people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a painful and disabling long term condition, and we are pleased to support this call for action by Depression Alliance as, ignored, this symptom can impact negatively on long term outcomes".

Diabetes UK

"Diabetes UK welcomes these calls to action. Several factors impact on the psychological wellbeing of people with diabetes and we know they have an increased risk of psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Poor psychological wellbeing impacts negatively on a person's ability to self manage their condition, increasing the risk of devastating and costly long term complications.

"Emotional and psychological care and support should be an integral part of diabetes services but, despite this, significant gaps in provision remain.

"We have NICE guidance, and a NICE Quality Standard for diabetes that promote this care but we must now see these services implemented through effective and integrated commissioning. Aside from the impact on the wellbeing of the person with diabetes, there are compelling clinical and financial reasons to ensure these services are in place.

"Diabetes UK and NHS Diabetes have published a report to support the commissioning and provision of emotional and psychological care for people with diabetes available here."

Notes

About depression

Major depressive disease is increasingly seen as disabling and relapsing, resulting in high levels of personal disability, lost quality of life for patients, their families and carers, multiple morbidity, suicide, higher levels of service use and many associated economic costs. By the year 2020, depression is projected to reach 2nd place of the ranking of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) calculated for all ages, both sexes (WHO)

Source:
Depression Alliance
Diabetes UK
The Stroke Association
Rheumatoid Arthritis Society
Mental health Providers Forum