Plans cover depression, Alzheimer's disease

The National Health Commission has issued plans to help local health authorities improve their services in preventing and treating depression and Alzheimer's disease and carry out pilot programs for their implementation.

The plans said senior high schools and colleges should include screening for depression in students' health checkups and pay special attention to those with "abnormal results".

Such screening－conducted by trained medical or social workers－should also be included in common tests during pregnancy as well as home visits after women give birth.

Elderly people and people under great pressure from work are also key groups for intervention, according to the plans.

Mental health hospitals should support community health centers in providing mental health assessments for the elderly every year and offering counseling for the depressed.

Local authorities should also strengthen public education to help more people learn about depression, and each city should have at least one hotline providing mental health intervention services around the clock.

As for intervention in cases of Alzheimer's disease, the plans said facilities that care for the elderly should conduct regular assessments to detect people with the disease.

Experts from large hospitals should help grassroots health facilities diagnose patients, formulate treatment plans and conduct follow-up visits.