Depression

Clinical depression is a medical condition caused by biochemical disorders that interfere with normal functioning and can, in some cases, lead to suicide. It is distinct from 'depression,' which is defined as short-lived, unhappy feelings that may be linked to a particular event.

A related condition to clinical depression is known as dysthymia, or chronic sadness. Dysthymia is often the prelude to more severe depressive episodes, and in itself, has a considerable effect on quality of life.

Overall, lifetime incidence of clinical depression in the United States is 20% in women and 12% in men. In Australia, that number is 25% for women and 17% in men. Twice as many women report and seek treatment for clinical depression than do men, but by the mid-fifties, incidence is the same for men and women. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2020, clinical depression will be the second leading cause of disability worldwide.¹

Clinical depression may be described in different words, according to culture or perception. It is sometimes described as imbalance, physical and/or mental exhaustion, sadness, insomnia, indecisiveness, irritability, and loss of motivation, self-esteem, concentration, and/or enjoyment of formerly pleasurable activities. 

Clinical depression can be a single event, but is more often a recurrent condition. With appropriate treatment, up to 80% of people will experience a reduction of symptoms. As many as 50% of people will not respond to the first treatment used.

Women going through childbirth are at particular risk for depression. It is estimated that more than 80% of women in the postpartum period will have depression or mood swings. Often this is a transient event, but in one of ten women, a significant clinical depression requiring treatment is experienced.