Anyone can get depressed. Depression sees no age, race, ethnicity, economic status, culture, gender, or social standing. Everyone is susceptible to depression
A family history of depression (e.g., a parent) increases the chances 11–fold that a child in that family will also have depression.
The treatment of depression is effective 60 to 80% of the time. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), less than 25% of individuals with depression receive adequate treatment. The best treatment for depression is the combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy (counseling).
Suicide is the major life-threatening complication of depression; about 2/3 of people who complete suicide are depressed at the time of their deaths. About 7 out of every 100 men and 1 out of every 100 women who have been diagnosed with depression at some time in their lifetime will go on to complete suicide. The risk of suicide in people with Major Depressive Disorder is about 20 times that of the general population.
In short-term studies, there has been some evidence that children and adolescents taking antidepressants exhibit a risk of increased suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behaviors. More research is required to determine if antidepressants are related to suicidality in children, adolescents and adults. As with any new prescription for children or adolescents, careful monitoring of symptoms and side-effects should be observed by an adult. Children and adolescents who are taking antidepressants should also be seeing a therapist.
American Association of Suicidology (www.suicidology.org)
Designed & Powered by Better Productions. Copyright 2007 Unite4Life.com | Site Map