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Major Depressive Disorder: Epidemiology, Course of Illness, and Treatment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Andrew A. Nierenberg
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Extract

Understanding the epidemiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and the neurobiologic theories behind depression and antidepressant treatment is vital for physicians who must identify and treat patients with this disorder. The epidemiology of MDD reveals that this disorder is widespread: the lifetime prevalence of MDD is estimated to be ∼17% and the 12-month prevalence is ≥7%, according to the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Epidemiologic studies suggest that in any 30-day period, 2% to 5% of the United States population meet criteria for MDD. In addition, nearly twice as many women as men (21% versus 13%, respectively) are affected by a depressive disorder during their lifetimes. These numbers reveal a vast population of people affected by MDD, making depression a tremendous social and medical concern.

Type
Expert Roundtable Supplement
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 13 , Issue S8: Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Role of Depression , May 2008 , pp. 4 - 7
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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