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Fast Facts
- One out of every 6 people will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives1.
- Experts predict that by the year 2020, major depression will be the second most important cause of disability throughout the world1.
- Even though depression is highly treatable, only about one-third of depressed people receive the proper treatment2.
- Depression often goes overlooked by primary healthcare providers2.
- People with diabetes may be at a greater risk for depression—and vice-versa3.
- Depression is an important risk factor for heart disease4.
- If left untreated, depression can last months or, in some cases, years.
- As many as 90% of people who've been diagnosed with depression also have symptoms of anxiety5.
- It is common for people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to also receive a diagnosis of depression.
- Depression and anxiety can be lifelong medical conditions that may require continuous long-term treatment.
- Studies show that 85% of people who suffer from depression and recover will eventually experience a recurrence6.
References: 1. Davidson JR, Meltzer-Brody SE. The underrecognition and undertreatment of depression: what is the breadth and depth of the problem? J Clin Psychiatry. 1999;60(Suppl 7):4-9. 2. Tylee A, Ghandi P. The importance of somatic symptoms in depression in primary care. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2005;7:167-176. 3. National Institute of Mental Health. Depression and diabetes. Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 02-5003. 2002. 4. National Institute of Mental Health. Depression can break your heart. Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No: 01-4592. 2001. 5. Kaplan HI, Sadock BJ. Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry. 8th ed. 6. Burke WJ, Gergel I, Bose A. Fixed-dosed trial of the single isomer SSRI escitalopram in depressed outpatients. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63:331-336.
