As many as one out of every five women will develop depression
in her lifetime.
Women between the ages of 18 and 45 account for the majority of
all cases of depression.
Anyone can develop depression, regardless of their age, race or
social class.
Many people with depression do not even realize that they are
depressed and initially see their primary care doctor to treat what
they believe is a physical disorder.
Depression cannot be prevented. However, more than 80 percent
of people who have it can be treated successfully with
psychotherapy, medical therapy or a combination of both.
Although a depressive episode can last from a few weeks to many
years, most episodes last between six and nine months.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally
the first antidepressant medication prescribed for
depression.
The risk of depression may be as high as 25 percent in
first-degree relatives (parents, children and siblings) of patients
with a history of depression.
About one third of depressed individuals also suffer from some
form of substance abuse or dependence.
As many as 15 percent of patients with depression eventually
commit suicide.
About 5 to 10 percent of people who have had a major depressive
episode will eventually have a manic episode (characterized by an
elevated mood and excessive energy and optimism) and develop
bipolar disorder.
Depression is commonly associated with other conditions,
including eating disorders, anxiety disorders,
obsessive-compulsive disorder and borderline personality
disorder.
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the
United States and internationally.
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