From Spotlight on Health - Spring 2010

Recognizing depression is the first step in treatment, but often the most difficult one.

Now, thanks to the early success of the DIAMOND (Depression Improvement Across Minnesota, Offering a New Direction) program at CentraCare Clinic - Melrose, patients from other CentraCare Clinic sites will benefit from this program.

With DIAMOND, the primary physician, care manager and consulting psychiatrist work together to help patients with depression.

“It’s a team-based approach to treatment,” said Psychiatrist Chris Moellentine, MD, of St. Cloud Hospital Behavioral Health Clinic and an integral part of the DIAMOND program.

Each patient is given a questionnaire to determine whether he or she has chronic depression and would benefit from the DIAMOND program. Patients who are diagnosed with depression and enroll in the program are assigned to a care manager who is trained to monitor a patient’s progress through regular follow-up care.

The two most common symptoms of depression are:

• Feeling sad or hopeless nearly every day for at least two weeks.
• Lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities lasting two weeks or more.

Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression and help should be sought immediately.

People with depression may:

• Lose or gain weight;
• Have difficulty sleeping;
• Feel restless or feel that moving takes great effort;
• Lack energy;
• Feel inadequate, guilty and disliked; and
• Have difficulties focusing, making decisions and remembering.

If you have some of these symptoms for at least two weeks, talk to your doctor.

Crisis hotline: (320) 253-5555.