Major Depressive Disorder has been found in 9 to 20 percent of the population. Causes, symptoms, and prognosis of the disorder can vary. Diagnostic procedures are important for accurate treatment and research of affective disorders; caution is needed due to severity of consequences (suicide). Depression is found to result in losses of ability to function in all areas, a particular focus is on occupational performance (Hollon, DeRubeis, Evans, Wiemer, Garvey, Grove, & Tuason, 1992; Horwath, Johnson, Klerman, & Weissman, 1992).
Etiology, Signs/Symptoms, & Prognosis
Major Depressive Disorder is correlated with high mortality; up to 15 percent die from suicide. A forthfold increase in death rates are found in those over age 55 years. Dysthymic Disorder may precede Major Depressive Disorder; estimations include that 10 percent of those with Dysthymic Disorder alone will have a Major Depressive Episode, each year. Major Depressive Disorder is sometimes associated with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, myocardial infarction, carcinomas, or stroke; 20 to 25 percent will develop Major Depressive Disorder. Episodes of Major Depressive Disorder may follow a severe psychosocial stressor (death, divorce, etc.). Chronic medical conditions and substance dependence may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of an episode. The disorder is stated to be twice as common in adolescent and adult females. Rates for men and women are the highest in the 25 to 44 age group; rates are lower for both sexes over age 65 years. Community samples find that from 10 to 25 percent of women and 5 to 12 percent of men are at lifetime risk for the disorder. The disorder is 1.5 to 3 times more common in first-degree biological relatives of those with the disorder. Prevalence does not appear to be related to ethnicity, education, income, or marital status (DSM-IV, 1994).
Symptoms of Major Depression include depressed mood or loss of in...