A Review of Depression Research in Malaysia
- Author:
Ng Chong Guan
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Depression;
prevalence;
instrument;
treatment;
Malaysia
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2014;69(Supplement A):42-45
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Depression is a debilitating illness and has become a leading
cause of morbidity globally. We aim to summarise the
evidence available in regard to the prevalence, type of
assessment tools used and treatment options for depression
in Malaysia. Two hundred and forty seven articles related to
depression were found in a search through a database
dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine
published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Fifty
seven articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of
clinical relevance and future research implications. Findings
were summarised, categorised and presented according to
prevalence of depression, depression in women, depression
in clinical condition, assessment tools, and treatment of
depression. The prevalence of depression in Malaysia was
estimated to be between 8 and 12%. The figures were higher
among women of low socio-economic background or those
with comorbid medical condition. The common assessment
tools used in Malaysia include Beck Depression Inventory
(BDI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Patient
Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale (HADS). They were translated into the Malay
language and their psychometric properties were established.
Both pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy were
commonly used in Malaysia, and were highly recommended
in local clinical practice guidelines. There are discrepancies
in the reported rates of depression in Malaysia and this needs
to be addressed. There were lack of studies looking into the
depression among subgroups in Malaysia especially in the
male population. There were several instruments available for
assessment of depression in Malaysia but their suitability for
the local setting need further research. Both pharmacotherapy
and psychotherapy were recommended in the local treatment
guideline in Malaysia. With the emergence of generic
medication, we need to compare their clinical efficacy and
tolerability with original products.
KEY WORDS: Depression; prevalence; instrument; treatment;
Malaysia
- Full text:P020150729531921152057.pdf
