Depression not just a ‘modern Western phenonomen’

A number of anecdotal comments, usually by non-psychologist types, have claimed that depression, anxiety, etc. are in large part an artifact of modern Western life. Some say they really exist, and their spike is caused by stresses of modern Western living. Others, along the lines of Wendy Kaminer, say the U.S. in particular is in large part nothing but a nation of psycho-malingering mental hypochondriacs.

Well, based on evidence from India, Kaminer and her ilk need to eat their words.

Last year, two new workers arrived (at a medical clinic in Siolim, India). Their sole task was to identify and treat patients suffering depression and anxiety. The workers found themselves busy. Almost every day, several new patients appeared. Depressed and anxious people now make up “a sizable crowd” at the clinic, said the doctor in charge, Anil Umraskar.

Depression and anxiety have long been seen as Western afflictions, diseases of the affluent. But new studies find that they are just as common in poor countries, with rates up to 20 percent in a given year.

A doctor at another clinic estimates one in three patients there may have depression or other problems. So, it’s not an issue of overdiagnosis here but underdiagnosis in developing nations.

Why? Simple.

Attention goes to physical health first, of necessity.