Depression - a widespread and misunderstood illness
Prevalence
Depression is very common around the world, and it is on the rise:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2001, depression was ranked number 4 among diseases that cause disability.1 By the year 2020, depression is expected to rank 2nd 1
- An estimated 121 million people worldwide live with depression, according to the WHO.1 In addition, one in four families will have at least one member with a mental disorder at any given point 2
- Worldwide, it is estimated that 5.8 percent of men and 9.5 percent of women will have depression at some point in their lives 3
Cause
The cause of depression is not yet understood and, in fact, sometimes there may even be no noticeable cause. Experts believe some people were born with the ability to easily become depressed.4 They also believe that stressful events, illness, medications and other factors can lead to an imbalance of certain brain chemicals and cause depression.5
Some people become depressed after a major life change — the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job or a move. Even happy events, such as becoming a parent or getting married, or smaller changes in life, can sometimes trigger depression. No matter how large or small the change in life, changes can be stressful and can greatly affect a person’s emotions.
Some risk factors for depression include:
- A family history of depression
- Death or illness of a loved one
- Constant mental/physical stress at work
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, heart disease, HIV or chronic pain
- Major life events, such as moving, graduating from college, changing jobs, getting married or divorced, becoming a new parent, or retiring
- Financial difficulties
Depression can also be triggered by other medical conditions. Illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, nerve diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), and hormonal changes (such as menopause) can cause depression. People who have these conditions should be especially aware of the symptoms of depression and should speak with their healthcare professional if they experience any of them.
Depression and suicide
There may be times when feelings of hopelessness and despair lead people with depression to think about taking their own lives. If your symptoms of depression – such as unusual changes in behavior, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or overexcitement – become worse, you should speak to your doctor immediately.
If any of these changes are severe, or occur suddenly, it could signal an increased risk of suicidal thinking. It is important to discuss these feelings with your doctor when starting a new medication or changing medication doses. Keep lines of communications open and report any sudden changes or shifts in your mood. Remember, your doctor is there for you; he or she can change your treatment so that these symptoms are more manageable, and the quality of your life is improved.
- World Health Organization. Factsheet - Depression. 2005. Available at: http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/
- WHO. Mental health in the WHO European Region. Fact sheet Euro/03/03. 8 September 2003. Available at: http://www.euro.who.int/document/mediacentre/fs0303e.pdf
- World health Organization. Facts sheet. 2002. http://www.who.int/whr/2001/chapter2/en/index4.html
- Beardslee WR, Gladstone TRG et al. A Family-Based Approach to the Prevention of Depressive Symptoms in Children at Risk: Evidence of Parental and Child Change. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.2006; 129
- Ohayon, MM, Schatzberg, AF. Using Chronic Pain to Predict Depressive Morbidity in the General Population. Arch Gen Psychiatry/Vol 60. 2003: 39