Heterogeneity of depression: Need for customization

• Main Author: Anindya K Ray
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Archives of Mental Health
• Subjects: depression; heterogeneity; customization
• Online Access: http://www.amhonline.org/article.asp?issn=2589-9171;year=2012;volume=13;issue=2;spage=66;epage=73;aulast=Ray;type=0

All depressive patients do not look similar. They differ from each other in terms of varying presentation of depression, other associated psychiatric features and personal characteristics. There is lack of evidence in terms of clinical trials and comparative studies to propose different treatment choice for different subtypes. However, in today's endeavour towards person centred health care services, we need to recognize and respect the uniqueness of presentation of every depressed patient from all perspective. Once we recognize it, our next duty is to provide a customized, holistic and cost effective care to that individual for not only improvement of his symptoms but also enhancement of his quality of life.