New Health Professional Depression Resource For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Clients

NPS MedicineWise has developed a new resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on treatments for depression.

The resource supports health care workers and their clients discuss treatments for depression by providing information about what to expect when taking an antidepressant.

Dr Jeannie Yoo, NPS MedicineWise medical adviser says, "This resource can be used to promote understanding of the role of antidepressants in managing depression together with leading a healthy lifestyle, family and community support and psychological therapies."

Difficulty with maintaining adherence to antidepressants is a quality use of medicines issue in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as it is in other communities. Common barriers to maintaining adherence include a lack of knowledge about side effects, interactions and of how the prescribed medicine works.

The resource provides advice on what’s important to know about the medicines, such as potential side effects, how long they may take to work, the benefit of a treatment plan, and the importance of talking with health professionals and support networks.

The resource is available online at www.nps.org.au/depression and hard copy orders can be placed at www.nps.org.au/hporders.