One in four Italians runs the risk of becoming clinically depressed, according to Italian psychiatrists who are launching a bid to flush out those who fail to see the signs of the illness.
According to official diagnoses, some 10% of Italians are affected by depression but experts believe the real figure is much higher, probably around 25%.
With this in mind, psychiatrists, doctors and pharmaceuticals experts have worked out a detailed questionnaire which aims to help family doctors spot people who are sliding into depression.
The document makes use of indicators such as the level of attention paid to personal appearance, efficiency at work, use of pharmaceuticals and pains without a clear source.
"An early diagnosis can be fundamental for people with depression who can face and cure the disease before it deteriorates and becomes hard to treat," said Mariano Bassi, head of the national psychiatrists' association.
