Natural history of depressive disorder

Natural history of depressive disorder

Incidence of depression is 5%, bipolar disorder is 1% of the population. Only about one-third of individuals with depression are in treatment because of under-recognition by health care providers and because individuals conceive of their depression is a type of moral deficiency which should be kept hidden and fell as if they could get better if they just pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and tried harder.
The reality is that depression is as debilitating as coronary artery disease and more debilitating than diabetes mellitus or arthritis, up to 15% of severely depressed patients will ultimately commit suicide.
The conclusion are impressive because they can be successfully treated. Public education efforts should be on going to identify cases and provide effective treatment.
In summary the natural history indicates that this a life long disorder likely to relapse within several months of an episode if untreated or under-treated or discontinued antidepressants; is prone to recurrences preventable by continuation and maintenance treatment.
Genetic
Biochemical
Early discord
Personality
Environmental Factors