Suburban Research Associates On The Forefront Of Clinical Research And Patient Care For Major Depressive Disorder

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 09 Jul 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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With appointment waiting periods stretching as long as three-months to see a psychiatrist, Delaware County patients often don't know where to turn for "best in class" mental health services. This barrier to care is further compounded by the fact that 67 percent of primary care physicians nationwide have trouble accessing mental health services on behalf of their patients.

In vast contrast to this local and national trend, Suburban Research Associates in Media, Pennsylvania, is leading the charge in the community and making medical services for major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions easily accessible to patients through ongoing clinical research participation and customized private practice care.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, less than one-third of adults with a diagnosable mental disorder receive treatment in one year. The Center for Studying Health System Change notes that health plan barriers, inadequate insurance coverage, and a shortage of providers contribute to the patient access problem.

"We are committed to seeing a patient within a week of receiving a call for an appointment," said Dr. Shivkumar Hatti, a board-certified psychiatrist and CEO of Suburban Research Associates. "Because of our focus on clinical research, we do not accept insurance as our clinical research services are provided at no cost to patients," continued Dr Hatti. "We are keenly aware of newly approved medications, drugs in development, and treatment trends on the horizon. This is a real advantage that we can share with our patients."

Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression or major depression, is a very common mental health condition that affects more than 17 million people in any given year. Of this total, only 20 percent of people with the mood disorder will actually receive a treatment plan.

"These are really alarming statistics when you consider the number of people with major depressive disorder who are not receiving appropriate care," said Dr. Hatti. "Whether they have trouble accessing mental health services or are resistant to professional support, we know that there are many adults out there who would benefit from expert evaluation, close medical monitoring, psychotherapy, and medication for their depression."

People with depression experience a combination of symptoms. Men are more likely to acknowledge having fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities, whereas women are more likely to admit to feelings of sadness, worthlessness and/or excessive guilt. Overall, 97 percent of those suffering from depression say their work, home life, and relationships are negatively affected.

"Less than 10 years ago the medical community treated major depressive disorder with the goal of improved symptoms, now we aim for recovery, alleviation of symptoms and reduced medication side effects," said Dr. Hatti. "The care for major depression and treatment resistant depression has come a long way for those who seek help."

Source
Suburban Research Associates