Dr G Prasad Rao addresses the continued medical education programme in Patna on Thursday. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, Aug. 18: A continued medical education programme on “Depression in general practice” was organised by Indian Medical Association (IMA) Academy of Medical Specialities in the capital today.

The event meant to discuss treatment methods and advancements in treatments was attended by various psychiatrists and physicians from across the state.

On the occasion, IMA secretary Dr Rajeev Ranjan said: “Depression has become a very common ailment in today’s time. Our lives have become fast which means a growing stress on professional and personal life. The rising stress level is the major cause for other diseases like blood pressure. The idea of holding this continued medical education programme is to discuss various depression-related topics and to educate the masses.”

Dr G. Prasad Rao, a leading physiatrist from Hyderabad talked about the various aspects of depression and ways of tackling it.

“Most of the doctors describe depression as an organic or a functional disease. Depression has become a common problem now and is not fully curable. Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be a part of life’s normal lows,” he said.

Explaining the symptoms, Rao added: “Common signs and symptoms of depression are feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, appetite or weight changes, sleep changes, anger or irritability, loss of energy, self-loathing, reckless behaviour, concentration problems, and unexplained aches and pains.”