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health advisory Hospital Mental Health 2007-11-15 19:01:45

In the United States, about 10 percent of the population (7 percent women and 3 percent men) meet the criteria for major depression, and another 4 or 5 percent undergo a depressive experience that is not sufficient to be officially classified as clinical depression. Depression is an expensive illness, costing the American society about $44 billion in lost workdays, poor job performance, and psychotherapeutic care. Although the financial consideration is significant, the personal costs are incalculable. Depression is more isolating and debilitating than any other chronic illness. During their lifetime, nearly one fourth of all women will suffer a major depression

A depressed mood most of the time (for at least two weeks).

Apathy.

A significant weight loss or weight gain.

A significant change of sleep habits.

A marked decrease in mobility.

Feelings of worthlessness.

A diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness.

Excessive fatigue/loss of energy.

Excessive guilt.

Recurrent thoughts of death.

General suicidal ideas or a concrete suicidal plan/attempt.

Depression is a huge challenge to the medical system. According to the book, Mind, Body, Health, by Hafen, Karren, Frandsen, and Smith, approximately one-fourth of all primary care medical patients come from the 15 percent of the population with major depression and anxiety disorders. If minor depression and anxiety-related issues are included, this figure climbs to almost half of the patients who present themselves to health care facilities for treatment. (Depression and anxiety are combined here because they frequently overlap and have neurochemical similarities.)

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i guess you can call it a illness, but hun, its a diesease, think about it.