Depression

Serious depression is an important public health problem. More than 19 million adults in the United States will suffer from a depressive illness this year, and many will be unnecessarily incapacitated for weeks or months, because their illness goes untreated. The cost to the Nation in 1990 was estimated to be between $30- $44 billion. The suffering of depressed people and their families is immeasurable.

Depressive disorders are not the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences. They are illnesses that affect mood, body, behavior, and mind. Depressive disorders interfere with individual and family functioning. The person with a depressive disorder is often unable to fulfill the responsibilities of spouse or parent, and may be unable to carry out usual job responsibilities.

Available medications and psychological treatments, alone or in combination, can help 80 percent of those with depression. With adequate treatment, future episodes may be prevented or reduced in severity. Yet, current evidence indicates that nearly two out of three depressed people do not seek treatment and suffer needlessly.

Research has also shown that depression often co-occurs with medical conditions (e.g., stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.); other psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety disorders, eating disorders, etc.); and alcohol and other substance abuse. In such cases, there can be added health benefits from treating the depression.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

• Clinical depression is a common illness that usually goes unrecognized. When identified, it can be treated.
• There are effective medications and psychological treatments which often are used in combination. In serious depression, medication is usually required.
• The majority of clinical depressions, including the most severe, improve with treatment, usually within weeks. Continued treatment will prevent recurrence.
• Depression is often unrecognized when it co-occurs with other medical, psychiatric, or substance abuse disorders.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DEPRESSION
WRITE TO:
DEPRESSION
6001 Executive Boulevard, Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

For free brochures on depression and its treatment, call: 1-800-421-4211

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