Depression Description: A deteriorating mental state that can include despondency and a loss of interest or pleasure in life. The federal government estimates the cost of all types of depression is $43.7 billion each year -- $12.4 billion in medical, psychiatric, and drug costs; $7.5 billion in depression-related suicide; and $23.8 billion in work absenteeism and lost productivity. Symptoms: Sleep disturbances, loss of satisfaction in daily activities, low energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and a wide range of physical conditions. Number of Americans diagnosed: Depression affects more than 17 million Americans. Long-term problems/treatments: In most people, depression can be treated in an office setting by a psychiatrist or other therapist. Most adult patients with major or chronic depression are given antidepressants, which have been found to be very effective. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are now the first-line treatment of major depression. They work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association Depression-Screeing.org MedlinePlus -- Depression Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.