Public Health Problem & Solution - Research Paper Example

The point of this paper is also to establish the biomedical basis, the environmental factors, social and behavioral factors, and solutions which surround the problem. This paper also seeks to define depression, to provide evidence of the problem and then assess, to discuss the solutions which have already been implemented to solve it, and to determine what else can be done in order to resolve it. This paper should be read because it sets forth important information about the disease which can be used by health care professionals in their assessment and treatment of the disease.

This paper should be read because it helps call the attention of most individuals on the possible symptoms of depression and how these symptoms may not be noticed by the depressed person himself. This paper should be read because it helps further the discussion on how this disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated most likely, in the primary care environment (Sheehan, 2004). This paper should be read because even as more patients are seeking help for their depression and even with the increase in the use of antidepressants, the treatment of this disease remains inadequate and in order to remedy this situation, patients, providers, payers, employers, accrediting agencies, and governmental agencies have to be involved in the process (Sheehan, 2004).

The issue of depression should be considered a crucial issue because it carries the risk for suicide. In cases where it is undiagnosed and untreated, depression can later lead to the patient’s attempts at and possible success in committing suicide. Most people affected by this disease are older adults. Figures indicate that suicide rates for older Americans are high (Cody, 2004). Some of these older adults often visit their physicians in the month leading up to their suicide and during these times, they often manifest with depressed symptoms (Cody, 2004).

These older adults often understand and feel like