DepressionDepression is a serious illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains, depressions are world-wide the most frequent cause for health impairment. The health care system in Central Europe sets effective. Comprehensive therapy options available.
On this page you will find basic information about the disease of unipolar depression. The focus is on vocational rehabilitation after depression.
Diagnosis: depression or low mood?
Feelings – even negative ones – are part of life. Not every emotional low is a depression. A diagnosis is made by physicians and psychotherapists. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) – the World Health Organization's diagnostic catalog – specifies the appropriate criteria.
It leads these three main criteria an:
– depressed mood – joylessness or. Loss of interest – decreased drive with increased fatigability and activity limitation
Other common symptoms:
– Difficulty concentrating – reduced self-confidence – feelings of guilt – pessimistic view of the future – suicidal thoughts – reduced appetite – sleep disturbances
A disorder is present when a certain number of symptoms over a longer period of time occur simultaneously. Depending on how pronounced the symptoms are and how they affect the daily life of the person affected, a distinction is made between mild, moderate and severe depressive episodes.
Depression and burnout – the new widespread diseases?
The Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe (German Depression Aid Foundation) ames that around eight percent of all German citizens between 18 and 79 years of age suffer from depression in the course of a year. Depression is a variant of possible mental illnesses. Whether the number of people affected by depression has been increasing for years is a matter of some controversy in the research community.
The fact is that modern brain research and developments in society as a whole have led to an increased sensitivity to mental illness. As a result, depressed people are increasingly seeking medical and psychotherapeutic help and are also talking about their illness in their personal environment.
At this point, it should be noted that Burnout not a medical diagnosis represents. A depressive symptomatology is often behind a burnout syndrome.
As the following section shows, this disorder is easily treatable. It is neither a stigma nor a lifelong diagnosis.
Therapy of Depression
Doctors, specialists and psychotherapists treat depressive episodes With different evidence-based therapies.
Together with the affected person, the treating physician discusses the appropriate therapy measures. At mild depression it is quite possible for the doctor to observe whether the symptoms subside on their own in a short period of time. The doctor offers regular appointments for this to support the patient and closely monitor the symptoms.
In the case of Moderate depressive episode medicine relies predominantly on psychotherapeutic and/or drug therapies. The attending physician may advise inpatient treatment in a psychosomatic clinic.
A combination of medication and psychotherapy is effective for severe depression best. The extent to which inpatient treatment is necessary is decided by the attending physician or specialist in consultation with the person affected.
Back to life: Goals of rehabilitation
Depression is basically curable. As reported by the German Medical Journal, many people resume their previous life after the illness. Depression or unfavorable life circumstances can also permanently impair the way back into (working) life. Even in such situations, the health care system has offers for those affected. Psychosomatic rehabilitation clinics make a significant contribution to overcoming the consequences of illness and support those affected in finding their way back into everyday life. Many of these clinics are commissioned by the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung).
After a depressive episode, a rehabilitation measure may be indicated in order to come to terms with the phase of illness and to work out perspectives for further life. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to Ability to work, occupation and gainful employment to review.
A rehabilitation measure at the expense of the German pension insurance requires an application by the affected person and a medical report of the findings.
Application for rehab: here is what you should look out for
When you apply for rehabilitation, you should coordinate your plan with your treating physician – ideally a specialist in psychiatry or psychosomatics. He or she will usually help you to. For the application you need Copies of all existing doctor's letters and treatment records. You submit these together with your application. A statement of the attending physician at the pension insurance submitted. You can obtain the forms from your health insurance company or pension insurance company.
An expert decides on the basis of the documents whether the rehabilitation measure is reasonable and necessary in your case. An important role is played by Discharge papers after inpatient treatment. If a clinic discharges you unfit for work, the chances increase that the pension insurance will cover the costs. Inpatient rehabilitation is only approved by the pension insurance if outpatient measures are not sufficient.
If the application is rejected, you can appeal against the decision. The VDK association supports its members.