Depression is a serious biologic disease that affects
millions of people each year. The encouraging news
is that it may be successfully treated.
Although no single cause of depression has been identified,
it appears that interaction among genetic, biochemical,
environmental, and psychosocial factors may play a
role.
An estimated 33 to 35 million U.S. adults are likely
to experience depression at some point during their
lifetime. The disease affects men and women of all
ages, races, and economic levels. However, women are
at a significantly greater risk than men to develop
major depression. Studies show that episodes of depression
occur twice as frequently in women as in men.
Although anyone can develop depression, some types
of depression, including major depression, seem to
run in families. Whether or not depression is genetic,
the disorder is believed to be associated with changes
to levels of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin
and norepinephrine.
Depression is typically managed with a combination
of medications, different forms of therapy and electroconvulsive
treatment.
Currently, vagus nerve stimulation is approved by
the FDA for treatment if refractory depressions. Deep
brain stimulation is currently undergoing large clinical
trials to assess its efficacy in depression. The early
results are very promising.
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