Current perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder

Each year in America approximately 6 million people suffer from depression at a cost of more than $16 billion. People who are depressed have more medical illnesses than those without depression and make greater use of healthcare services. In a 15-month period after having been diagnosed with depression, sufferers are 4 times more likely to die as those who do not have depression. Almost 60% of suicides have their roots in major depression, and 15% of those admitted to a psychiatric hospital for depression eventually kill themselves. Although depression is highly treatable, only one third of sufferers receive suitable treatment. The reason for underdiagnosis is 2-fold. Physicians may fail to recognize depression and sufferers may actively deny it. A family history of depression is an important cause in those who suffer recurrent episodes. Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depression and, unless treated, resolves by itself in 6 months to a year less than 40% of the time. Depressive symptoms can be found in as many as 30% of those who abuse alcohol, so abstinence is crucial to treatment. Contrary to popular belief, depression is not a normal part of aging, although it can occur in elderly people who have severe medical and psychosocial problems. The goal of pharmacotherapy is the reduction and ultimate removal of all signs and symptoms of depression. More than 2 dozen drugs with 7 distinct mechanisms of action are available to treat depression, with the clinical goal being remission. Whereas psychotherapy is a treatment option, by itself it tends to be effective in only a limited group of highly motivated individuals who have less severe forms of depression. As a result, treatment outcomes are better when pharmacologic antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy are combined.