Depression is rapidly increasing in the general population and approximately one out of four persons are suffering from this disease. Depression is the second largest cause of ill health after heart disease throughout the world. This was stated by president Mental Health Federation of Pakistan (MHFP) here on Saturday.
He further said that just to awareness among the masses Mental Health Federation of Pakistan would organise a national seminar on "Recent Development in the Treatment of Depression" on Wednesday, January 27 here at a local hotel. Professor Tanvir Ahmad Rana Professor of Mental Health Staffordshire University of UK would be the chief guest while, Professor K. Saadiq Husain former Principal of King Edward Medical College (KEMC) will be the guest of honour and Professor I.A.K.
Tareen and Professor Khalida Tareen Professor Emeritus of KEMC would highlight the main causes of depression and its treatment. Mental Health Federation President Professor I.A.K. Tareen said that family physicians, trainee and postgraduate psychiatrists and general practitioners would also attend the seminar.
He said that unfortunately, many people believed in black magic and magicians and went to pir fakeers and aamils for treatment, which enhanced problems, and make it complicated. In some cases severe untreated depression could result in suicide, Professor Tareen added.