BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Sept. 19, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 20 million Americans each year. Causes are varied and can include chemical imbalance in the brain, a life crisis or traumatic event, stress, or concerns about chronic medical concerns such as diabetes or heart disease. Depressed employees cost American employers approximately $53 billion per year in pharmacy-related expenses, lost productivity and complications to medical conditions. At the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT "On Depression" symposium today, leading experts gathered to discuss research and methods to improve treatment protocols for this complex condition.
Introducing the subject of depression and the workplace, Keith Dixon, Ph.D., president of CIGNA Behavioral Health, a lead sponsor of this event, remarked that studies show that an integrated treatment approach that includes early identification and intervention improves outcomes. "That's why we're working with MIT and others to strengthen research, improve physician education, increase patient understanding of this disease and to use these findings to make our depression disease management program even more effective," noted Dixon.
The CIGNA Well Aware Depression Management program, available January 1, 2006, integrates the company's expertise in behavioral health and pharmacy and medical management to more readily identify members with depression and get them appropriate care. Features also include:
-- Proactive intervention based on integrated medical, behavioral and pharmacy data and personalized coaching from licensed CIGNA behavioral health professionals -- Identification and intervention to avoid drug interactions and ensure appropriate pharmacy management of anti-depressants -- Ongoing education and support for the member from behavioral health specialists to help them follow treatment protocols recommended by their primary care physician and coordinate referrals for more specialized care as needed -- Information and tools for members and family members to help them better understand and manage depression and potential medication side-effects -- Education about depression and depression management for primary care physicians and OB/GYNs as well as customized feedback about their patients' progress to ensure seamless and coordinated care
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, diabetes doubles the rate of depression, particularly as the disease progresses. Persons with diabetes who also suffer from depression have poorer glycemic control, less adherence to treatment regimens and have 86 percent higher total health costs. "Our whole person approach to health care enables us to help members with a chronic condition also manage their depression, improving health outcomes and reducing health care costs," states Dr. Jeffrey Kang, chief medical officer for CIGNA HealthCare. "That's why our Well Aware Depression Management Program will also be closely linked with the company's other medical management programs in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes and low back pain as means to both identify more members and treat those with depression or depressive conditions."
With more than 600,000 participants, CIGNA Well Aware for Better Health is the nation's largest population-based disease management program, consistently delivering outstanding results for improving health and reducing costs. Well Aware earned national recognition including the Disease Management Association of America 2000 Health Plan Disease Management Leadership award.
CIGNA HealthCare, headquartered in Bloomfield, CT, provides medical benefits plans, dental coverage, behavioral health coverage, pharmacy benefits, and products and services that integrate and analyze information to support consumerism and health advocacy. "CIGNA HealthCare" refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation . Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation.
CIGNA Behavioral HealthCONTACT: Gwyn Dilday of CIGNA Behavioral Health, +1-818-500-6370
Web site: http://www.cigna.com//
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