August 24th program about depression in young people illustrates best practice
August 4, 2010A new Rural Health Education Foundation television program airing on Tuesday August 24th discusses the latest evidence and key considerations for rural practitioners when diagnosing and managing depression in adolescents and young adults.
Best Practice: Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults identifies key resources that are available and explores the experience of consumers affected by depression.
The hour-long program also examines the draft Clinical Practice Guidelines: Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults, funded and developed by beyondblue.
Third in four-program series with beyondblue: the national depression initiative
Best Practice: Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults is the third of four programs which the Rural Health Education Foundation will co-produce this year with beyondblue: the national depression initiative. The first program in the series, about depression and anxiety in men with prostate cancer, premiered on Tuesday May 18th, and the second, about caring for carers, premiered on Tuesday June 29th. The final program, about depression and health professionals, will premiere on Tuesday November 9th.
This new series builds on an already strong partnership between the Foundation and beyondblue. The two organisations have co-produced a number of successful educational television programs over the past five years, including Another Shade of Blue: Depression in Older Australians (2007), Postnatal Depression (2006) and Out of the Blue: Managing Depression (2005).
Bridging the gap between identification and treatment
“The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing has found that, even when young people with depression are identified, many still receive no treatment,” says Rural Health Education Foundation CEO Don Perlgut. “This new program helps rural health practitioners to overcome some of the obstacles which deny young people with depression, anxiety and related disorders the opportunity to receive appropriate care.”
“Early detection and treatment is essential in improving long-term outcomes for the 160,000 Australians aged 16-24 who are living with depression,” says Leonie Young, CEO of beyondblue. “This new program enables health professionals to identify the available resources that will assist patients and their families affected by depression, and to propose care and management options based on an understanding of the consumer experience.”
Program features expert panel
discussion
The program features a panel discussion chaired by Dr Norman Swan, Presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National.
The expert panel features: Dr Chris Davey, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Orygen Youth Health in Parkville, VIC; Dr Brian Graetz, a Psychologist & Program Director at beyondblue, VIC; Mr Jeremy Mann, a Youthbeyondblue ambassador from Jerrabomberra, NSW; and Dr Ross Wilson, a General Practitioner from Bathurst, NSW.
Program funding
Best Practice: Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults is funded by beyondblue: the national depression initiative.
Broadcast details
Best Practice: Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults will be broadcast across the Rural Health Education Foundation’s satellite television network on Tuesday August 24th at 8.00pm (AEST), with repeats at 8.00pm Perth time that same evening (two hours later) and 12.30pm on Friday August 27th.
Also available via webstreaming
After the initial broadcast, this program will also be available free on the Internet for viewing via web-streamed video or listening via an audio podcast.
About depression in young Australians
Adolescence and young adulthood is a crucial time of change where onset of depression and other mental health disorders are common. People who experience depression often find it difficult to function day-to-day and depression has serious effects on physical and mental health.
Early detection and treatment is essential in reducing the risk of ongoing mental health disorders.
More information
For more information about the Best Practice: Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults program - including presenter details and associated educational resources - go to the online program summary or contact the Foundation.