• Medical data suggest that over the life course, one in 10 Americans may experience some recognized form of depression. Depressive disorders commonly begin between ages 15 and 30, but they also can appear in children or older adults. 
• Depression is the leading cause of disability among women in the United States and in some other developed countries. By 2020, medical experts estimate, depression will be the leading cause of disability in the world.
• Some people suffer depression as a result of circumstances in their lives. Yet for others, their depression doesn't match their reality, in general their life seems "good."
• Depression can be the result of a neurochemical disease or imbalance, which causes the sufferer to experience a significant personality deregulation.
• There is no ironclad diagnostic test to identify depression. An evaluation usually starts with standard physical exam tests and work-ups to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. Then the patient will participate in interviews to learn about his or her attitudes and behaviors.
• Diagnoses of depression are achieved very much like the diagnoses of an ear, nose and throat doctor, based on the number, length and severity of recognized symptoms.
• More than 80 percent of people with depressive disorders improve once they receive appropriate treatment.
• Research suggests that many depression patients stop their treatment; psychotherapy, medication, etc., far earlier than is advisable for an ultimately satisfactory outcome.
• The goal of treatment for depression is remission, not simply a lessening of symptoms.
  

*Quick Facts have been reviewed by medical experts working with Second Opinion and are current as of September, 2005.