"Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting around 322 million people, yet it remains a complex and poorly understood condition. About 15 percent of the global population will experience depression at some point in their lifetime, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men. It is characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and a range of associated psychological and physical symptoms lasting at least two weeks."
"Depression is also a chronic and recurrent illness, with the risk of relapse increasing after each episode. It is a major risk factor for suicide, with nearly two-thirds of those affected experiencing suicidal thoughts, and up to 15 percent dying by suicide. Despite its staggering prevalence, only about one-third of people with depression receive effective treatment. In low and middle-income countries, this rate drops to less than 10 percent, highlighting a critical gap in mental health care."
Depression affects over 322 million people worldwide and causes persistent low mood, loss of interest, and symptoms lasting at least two weeks. About 15 percent of people will experience depression in their lifetime, with women twice as likely as men. Depression is chronic, raises suicide risk—with many experiencing suicidal thoughts and up to 15 percent dying by suicide—and shows high relapse rates. Only about one-third receive effective treatment, falling below 10 percent in low- and middle-income countries. Major depressive disorder results from biological, genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors. The MDD Working Group identified 700 genetic variants linked to depression, including 293 novel variants, and highlighted existing non-psychiatric drugs as potential treatments. Prior research focused mainly on white, affluent populations, limiting applicability to diverse groups.
Read at Psychology Today
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