Many patients who go to the hospital for depression end up readmitted

Many people who have depression are given a prescription to buy Paxil, which helps them effectively control their symptoms. However, for those who are admitted to the emergency room for the mood disorder, regular contact with a mental health provider may be needed.

A recent study from a team of Canadian researchers showed that 25 percent of individuals who went to an emergency room were back in the hospital or admitted to a treatment facility within 30 days of their initial visit.

Furthermore, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health researchers found that 47 percent of hospitalized depression patients did not see a mental health provider upon their discharge from the emergency room. The team said that hospitals need to do a better job of working with other providers to make sure that these patients receive the best care possible.

"Hospitals, general practitioners, family health teams and other community partners need to be better coordinated, so that patients receive appropriate care before another hospital stay," said Elizabeth Lin, who led the study.

In addition to a prescription to buy Paxil, some of these patients may need to see a counselor.