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【Central News Agency, Tokyo, December 4th Special Report】 2009.12.04 12:14 pm
Japan's "Yomiuri Shimbun" reported that the latest survey from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shows the number of people suffering from depression and bipolar disorder in Japan has exceeded one million for the first time. Analysis suggests the reasons may be linked to prolonged economic downturns and the successive introduction of new antidepressant medications.
The survey by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicated that the number of people diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder was 431,000 in 1996, 441,000 in 1999, and surged to 711,000 by 2002. The latest survey for 2008 shows the figure has risen to 1.041 million.
Experts speculate that the increase may be related to long-term economic stagnation. Additionally, the development of new antidepressant drugs has also played a role.
Some psychiatrists point out that many patients with mild symptoms could recover naturally. However, in Japanese society, there is a strong emphasis on early detection and treatment, leading some mild cases that previously would not have required medication to seek medical help. This has contributed to the significant rise in reported cases.
Source: http://udn. com/ NEWS/ WORLD/ BREAKINGNEWS5/ 5289119. shtml
Japan's Depressive and Bipolar Patients Exceed 1 Million for First Time
Japan's "Yomiuri Shimbun" reported that the latest survey from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shows the number of people suffering from depression and bipolar disorder in Japan has exceeded one million for the first time. Analysis suggests the reasons may be linked to prolonged economic downturns and the successive introduction of new antidepressant medications.
The survey by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicated that the number of people diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder was 431,000 in 1996, 441,000 in 1999, and surged to 711,000 by 2002. The latest survey for 2008 shows the figure has risen to 1.041 million.
Experts speculate that the increase may be related to long-term economic stagnation. Additionally, the development of new antidepressant drugs has also played a role.
Some psychiatrists point out that many patients with mild symptoms could recover naturally. However, in Japanese society, there is a strong emphasis on early detection and treatment, leading some mild cases that previously would not have required medication to seek medical help. This has contributed to the significant rise in reported cases.
Source: http://udn. com/ NEWS/ WORLD/ BREAKINGNEWS5/ 5289119. shtml