Amerikansk studie visar att inte ens läkare tar depression på allvar

The study, published in the journal Health Affairs earlier this week, found that doctors neglect to follow up with their patients who have a depression diagnosis. They also are less likely to help depression patients manage their illnesses. Meanwhile, these doctors are more likely to engage in care strategies with patients who have chronic physical illnesses like diabetes.

The researchers used survey results from a thousand U.S. primary care facilities, taken between 2006 and 2013, to examine doctors’ strategies for treating patients with depression compared to those used to treat congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes.

While those with physical ailments were treated with the proper protocol outlined for a chronic condition — such as doctors teaching patients about their conditions and reminding them about their specific treatment plans — those with depression didn’t receive the same level of care, as NPR reports.