Prevalence of depression among patients attending medical outpatient department in pacific medical college and hospital, Udaipur (Rajasthan)

Background: Depression is an extremely common illness affecting people of all ages, genders, different socioeconomic groups and religions in India and all over the world. Globally, an estimated 322 million people were affected by depression in 2015.Since ancient times, India, has given importance to the health of people and has highlighted the need for a physically and mentally healthy society. The maxim, “there is no health without mental health” underlines the fact that mental health is an integral and essential component of health. Mental health, hither to neglected, is now recognised as a critical requirement and is engaging the attention of policy-makers, professionals and communities in India and across the globe.1 Aims &Objectives: To find out the Prevalence of depression among patients attending outpatient department in pacific medical college and hospital, Udaipur (Rajasthan). Subjects and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in outpatient department in pacific medical college and hospital, Udaipur (Rajasthan). Adult male and females attending outpatient department were included and psychotic, critically ill patients were excluded. Results: Out of the 180 study participant’s majority are females (63%). The Prevalence of depression in the current study is 66%. 34.45% of males and 65.55% of females among the study group are depressed. 57% of unemployed participants are depressed. Conclusion: The study shows the importance of routine screening for depression in all patients in all healthcare settings and implementation of intervention for proper management and prevention of depression in those patients.