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Depression exists in different forms and in varying levels of intensity.
Some individuals experience dysthymia, a milder form of depression whose symptoms can include loss of apetite and a degree of listlessness. Others may be subject to more severe forms of depression such as chronic major depression. Regardless of the type, however, it is estimated that 5-12 percent of the general population has depression at any given time. According to demographic research, depression seems to affect certain groups more so than others. Women, for instance are more likely to suffer from the condition (twice as likely, according to some sources). The elderly are also more likely to be affected. Up to 15 percent of retirement age individuals have depression. Despite these numbers, though, up to two-thirds of individuals with depression do not seek treatment and may not even be aware they have the condition. What causes depression? Though depression in many people may be triggered by situational events or circumstances (often related to work or personal relationships), research indicates that the condition has a biochemical basis (neurotransmitter deficits i.e. chemical imbalances in the brain) possibly rooted in a genetic predisposition. In other words, symptoms of depression may be the manifestation of a physical process that is, to some extent, inherited. In fact, depression may be 1-3 times more likely to occur among relatives of those who have the disorder. Treatment for depression can involve counseling with therapists of various kinds (social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists all have a role to play in the treatment of depression) as well as prescription drugs and medications obtained from pharmacies. |
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