HD Lighthouse Editors Comment: Dr. George Huntington cursed HD with his talent by writing a most horrific description of some disease. There is no proof that his patients even had the expanded interesting transcript 15 of the disease that bears his name. Like an evil ghost speaking from the past, the horrific words of Dr. Huntington strike fear and depression into the hearts of all who come to know HD. Dr. Huntington could of been describing at least 17 other ataxias. Imagine a talented writer describing aging in the most horrific terms. It would be damned depressing to keep hearing those words. Depression accelerates aging and HD. We are all somewhere between "We are born. We have a miserable life. We die." and "We are born. We have a wonderful life. We die." Carpe diem. --Jerry

Posted to HDLighthouse: 25-April-2002 Fixing Depression

New Patient Survey Puts a Human Face on Overcoming Depression Engaging in Family Life, Participating in Community Activities Are Signs of Getting Well "The GOAL! survey confirms what I see in my own patients -- achieving remission of depression symptoms allows people to take pleasure again in the activities most meaningful to them, which they could not undertake while depressed or when not on the right therapy," says Norman Sussman, M.P.A., M.D., F.A.P.A., clinical professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. "Too many doctors and patients are settling for a partial response to depression treatment, which doesn't let people get back to a full quality of life. Patients and their doctors should be looking for options that have the greatest likelihood of getting them there."

The ability to fully engage in and enjoy family, personal and community activities is a critical milestone on the way to overcoming depression, according to the first survey to define treatment success through the eyes of people with depression. Nearly one-third of people who achieved virtual elimination (remission) of their depression symptoms said the strongest indicator that they were able to go on and live depression-free was the ability to re-engage in family life, followed by participation in hobbies and community service. The survey was conducted as part of the new GOAL! "Go On And Live" awareness campaign intended to help illustrate what it means to achieve virtual elimination of depression symptoms and once again fully engage in and enjoy the areas of life that make people who they are.

"Once my symptoms were pretty much eliminated, I was able to rediscover the joys in my life," says Delta Burke, who, despite her public persona as a comedic actress, has struggled with depression for nearly 30 years before achieving remission of her symptoms. "Now, I am pursuing the things I love to do, particularly my acting career. I have renewed energy and interest in life, which has improved my relationship with my husband, my family and my community." Delta Burke is the official spokesperson for the GOAL! campaign.

Depression affects approximately 19 million Americans each year and can interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Symptoms may include a persistent sad or anxious mood, feelings of hopelessness, guilt or irritability, loss of interest in nearly all activities, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating or making decisions and, in severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide.

The survey asked people diagnosed with depression about symptoms they experienced and activities they once enjoyed and asked them to self identify if they had achieved remission of symptoms. Overall, after remission, the respondents were six times more likely to be satisfied with their quality of life than those still suffering from depression, 91 versus 15 percent. The majority of people who had achieved remission, 69 percent, reported returning to activities they could not do while depressed. Their top five activities, in rank order, were: family life; indoor hobbies (e.g., wood working); community service and volunteering; exercise; and creating art (e.g., painting).

Being given hope that remission of depression symptoms is possible appeared to play a role in patients' improvements, with 55 percent of remitted versus 36 percent of non-remitted patients reporting that someone, a medical professional or a friend, told them about the possibility of remission.

"My therapist changed my medication when I told him I still didn't feel like myself," says Delta. "With the right combination of medication and therapy, I was able to get rid of my depression symptoms and go on and live a full life again." Delta is now shooting a sitcom, St. Sass, premiering on the WB network in Fall 2002.

GOAL! Survey Results
Community Service
Once remission of symptoms was acheived, respondents' participation in volunteer work increased to 41 percent, from 28 percent when depressed. Additionally, when told that helping someone by performing acts of kindness could provide mental health benefits, including reduced depression feelings, 64 percent of the remitted survey participants indicated an interest in volunteer work.

Relationships
Eighty-nine percent of people who achieved remission of depression symptoms reported improved quality in relationships with a partner or loved one. For example, those who achieved remission reported now that they were twice as able to provide support to loved ones as when they were depressed (90 vs. 46 percent). Additionally, respondents reported increases in the stability of their relationships, from 64 to 90 percent, and in having an active and fulfilling sex life, from 42 to 61 percent.

Parenting
Of the people who achieved remission of depression symptoms who are parents, 90 percent indicated their relationships with their children improved. For example, they feel their children like to be around them more (88 percent), are happier (86 percent) and talk to them more (78 percent).

Professional Lives
Since achieving remission, 80 percent of the respondents indicated an improved ability to be successful at work, in looking for work, in school or as a homemaker. Of those who were employed, they reported that, since remission, they are much more productive (86 percent), get along better with co-workers (78 percent) and take on more responsibilities (74 percent).

Positive Feelings
Remitted respondents were significantly more likely, than when depressed, to highlight positive activities when describing themselves. For example, they reported: nearly a five-fold increase in taking pleasure in everyday life, from 20 to 96 percent; more than a three-fold increase in laughing a lot, from 29 to 95 percent; and nearly four-fold increases in being able to go on and live, from 24 to 91 percent, and in seeing a future for themselves, from 25 to 89 percent.

About GOAL!
"GOAL! Go On And Live" is a multifaceted depression awareness campaign sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. GOAL! is designed to help illustrate what it means to achieve remission of depression symptoms and recovery and once again fully engage in and enjoy the areas of life that make people who they are. The GOAL! campaign will reach people where depression impacts them most -- in the home, at work, in their relationships, in universities, and in communities. The campaign also features a community service initiative to help people recovering from depression engage in volunteerism. To find out more about the "Go On And Live!" program, please visit www.GoOnAndLive.com or call 1-888-830-GOAL.

About the Survey
Russell Marketing Research (RMR) researchers conducted telephone interviews with 704 adults aged 18 years and older previously diagnosed with depression. Of these interviews, 501 occurred with respondents who identified themselves as having achieved remission of their depression symptoms, and 203 occurred with respondents who identified themselves as not having achieved such remission.

All interviewing occurred between Feb. 2 and 11, 2002, with adults selected on a national basis from lists of households where it was reported that a household member experienced depression between 12 and 48 months prior to the survey. Founded in 1946, RMR is one of the world's longest continuously operating survey research companies and is an industry leader in the development of survey research techniques.

About the Survey Sponsor
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, has leading products in the areas of women's health care, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system, inflammation, hemophilia, oncology and vaccines. Wyeth (NYSE:WYE) is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.

Source: Adapted Porter/Novelli press release; New York 25-Apr-02

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