Depression

Epidemiology of Specific Chronic Diseases: Depression

Description
Depression is a common mental disorder characterised by a range of symptoms which may present in various forms and vary in severity.

Common symptoms associated with depression may include; sadness, loss of interest in activities, poor motivation, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, poor concentration, irritability, agitation, restlessness, weight loss or weight gain, physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, and recurrent thoughts of death.

At its worst depression may lead to suicide.

Risk Factors
The cause of depression is not fully understood but may include psychosocial factors, genetic and biological factors.  

Epidemiology

  • Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Worldwide an estimated 121 million people suffer from depression.
  • Depression occurs in individuals of all genders, ages and ethnic backgrounds.
  • It is estimated that 5.8% of men and 9.5% of women will experience a depressive episode in any given year.
  • According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability as measured by YLDs and the 4th leading contributor to the global burden of disease (DALYs) in 20001.
  • The highest rates of depression are seen in the 25-44 year age group.
  • Depression is twice as common among females as males.

Treatment
Untreated courses of depressive disorders vary between a few weeks to several years. It is estimated that most cases last between 3-9 months. Most young and middle aged patients eventually make a complete recovery. Incomplete recovery is more common among elderly patients.

Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care. The first line of treatment for most cases of depression consists of antidepressant medication, talking therapies or a combination of both. However, fewer than 25% of those affected have access to effective treatments.

There is some evidence that exercise can be effective both in the management of depression and its prevention.

References

  1. World Health Organisation, Global Burden of Disease Project:
    http://www.who.int/healthinfo/bodestimates/en/index.html

© CM Kirwan 2006