The effectiveness of antidepressants

A recent analysis of studies of the effectiveness of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs) antidepressants found that only people with severe forms of depression show any benefit from their use. The study also found that for people with milder depression, the response to the antidepressants was no better than if a placebo (ie. a dummy pill) had been taken. The drugs studied included Prozac (fluoxetine), Seroxat (marketed as Aropax or Paroxetine in Australia), Effexor (venlafaxine), and Serzone (marketed as Nefazodone in Australia, but no longer prescribed).

The results were published in an article in the US journal Public Library of Science Medicine (follow this link if you'd like to read the study). In a statement published by beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Clinical Adviser to beyondblue, Assoc. Prof Michael Baigent, welcomed the report saying: "This is important research because it includes the results of trials that previously haven't been published.

HealthInsite has a topic area on Depression, which includes links to information on the different types of depression and treatments, including SSRIs, and a range of systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of various depression treatments.

YouTube and Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney Health Australia is using YouTube to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease to young people. One in seven Australian adults has some sign of chronic kidney disease, and one in 35 actually has serious kidney disease.

The animated YouTube community service announcement shows adults and children engaged in various activities, and outlines in easy-to-understand English just what their kidneys do to keep them alive. Primary causes of kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and a family history of kidney disease.

HealthInsite has topic pages on Diseases of the Kidneys and Kidney Failure.

Join the bite - help the fight against diabetes

Diabetes Australia (NSW) is promoting the 'Great Australian Bite', to be held throughout the month of April to help raise money for the 740,000 Australians who live with diabetes.

The 'bite' can involve any meal held during the month of April. Money raised will go to Diabetes Australia (NSW) to support people living with diabetes, and to help fund research.

To host a 'bite' is as simple as 1, 2, 3:

1. 1. Register to host a 'bite' anytime during April
2. 2. Invite workmates, friends, or family to share a 'bite' to eat
3. 3. Donate to help the fight against diabetes

To be a part of the fun this April, register to host a 'bite' by calling 1300 136 588, or go to www.greataustralianbite.com.au .

HealthInsite has a Diabetes topic page with additional topic pages on aspects of diabetes including Risk Factors for Diabetes, Complications of Diabetes, and Living with Diabetes.

Risk of heart disease not changing behaviour

One in two Australians are aware heart disease is the nation's leading cause of death, yet new research shows they are not changing their behaviours for a healthier lifestyle. The national survey found approximately six in ten Australians knew a friend, colleague, or family member who had suffered a heart attack, but less than half (44 per cent) were motivated to make any change to improve their own health as a result.

Nearly one third of Australians at an increased risk of heart attack (those aged 50+) failed to take any action to reduce their own risk, despite knowing someone who had suffered a heart attack.

The survey was designed by Professor Garry Jennings, a leading cardiologist, researcher, and Director of the Baker Heart Research Institute. Professor Jennings said it was reassuring to learn that so many Australians recognised heart disease as the number one cause of death. But he said the survey was proof that there remained a great need to educate people about their own risk factors and how they can take steps to avoid having a heart attack.

'While these research findings confirm the message that heart disease is our most significant health burden has been made clear, we have a lot of work to do to educate people about applying that message to their own lifestyles' Professor Jennings said.

'Research into the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention programs and influencing long-term behavioural change is needed to improve our current rates of cardiovascular disease.'

The survey found that even when confronted with a high-profile and premature heart attack death, the majority of Australians were shocked, but still failed to make any changes for a healthier lifestyle. Although 93 per cent of people were aware of John Ilhan (founder of Crazy John's mobile phone retail business) and his sudden death at the young age of 42, 71 per cent of respondents said they did not review their own health status or change their own behaviour as a result.

While obesity and poor diet (56%), smoking (40%), and physical inactivity (34%) were correctly identified as risk factors for heart attack, other major risk factors, such as high blood cholesterol (12%), high blood pressure (6%), and family history (7%) were overlooked by many survey respondents.

'While general awareness of heart attack and heart disease is relatively high, there is a lack of understanding about what are the contributing risk factors many of which are preventable' he said. Professor Jennings said raising awareness about heart disease remained a public health priority, but there was now a greater need to educate and motivate Australians to take action to reduce their potential risk of heart attack.

(Source: The Baker Heart Research Institute)

HealthInsite has a number of number of topic pages on heart disease, including Prevention of Heart Disease, Living with Heart Disease, Risk Factors for Heart Disease, Treatments for Heart Disease, and Heart Disease Support Services.