RESUMO
The severe effect of depression is a suicidal commitment. The pharmacist can play a key role in decreasing depression. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and counseling outcomes of depression in population of Takonyang. Patients who had depression were randomized into a study group or a control group. The study was performed during December 2006 to March 2007 at Takonyang. A total of 171 persons were screened in the study. The result found that 31 persons had signs of mood disorder and 4 persons had signs of depression (2.34%). Thirty-four mood disorder or depression patients were randomly assigned into the study group or control group. There were 16 patients and 18 patients in the study group and control group, respectively. Both groups were assessed before and after 2 months of counseling. Baseline characteristics and depression score were not significantly different between the study group and control group (p \> 0.05). After counseling, the depression score in the study group was significantly decreased (3.25±1.73 vs 0.81±2.48, p=0.004). The total depression score of patients in the study group was significantly lower than the control group (0.81±2.48 and 2.33±1.97, p=0.002). The results of this study showed that pharmacist counseling can decrease scores of depression and promoted the right behavior and good mental health of the patients. Pharmacist care in patients with depression should be continuously provided as well as for patients with other chronic diseases.