The prevalence and impact of depression.

Depression affects up to 25% of women and 12% of men and is a highly chronic disorder. Further, the more episodes patients have, the more likely they are to have additional episodes, subsequently worsening the course of the disorder with each occurrence. Even after patients recover from an index episode of depression, their chances of maintaining that recovery are drastically diminished over time. Because of the highly prevalent and recurrent nature of depression, the impact of the disorder is felt globally. Depression is a major cause of disability worldwide and accounted for more than $83 billion in US costs in 2000. To combat these negative consequences, clinicians need to be as steadfast as ever to control this disorder and help patients lead symptom-free lives.