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Updated: May 31, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

Published on: February 22, 2018

The increasing burden of depression.

Jean-Pierre Lépine¹, Mike Briley

¹Hôpital Lariboisière Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris Unité INSERM 705 CNRS UMR 8206, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France;

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

|July 14, 2011

Summary

Depression significantly increases mortality risk, including suicide and cardiovascular death, and causes widespread functional impairment. This mental health condition poses a substantial burden on individuals, families, and society.

Keywords:

DALY depression economic burden epidemiology family burden mortality risk

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A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

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Published on: December 2, 2015

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Epidemiology
Public Health

Background:

Lifetime prevalence of depression ranges from 10% to 15% globally.
Mood disorders exhibit varying 12-month prevalence rates, e.g., 9% in the US versus 3% in Japan.
Depression is linked to significant mortality and morbidity, impacting quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a brief overview of depression's impact on quality of life.
To highlight the societal and familial burden of depression.
To underscore the public health significance of depressive disorders.

Main Methods:

Review of recent epidemiological surveys and population studies.
Analysis of data on prevalence, mortality, and functional impairment.
Synthesis of findings from the World Mental Health and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Main Results:

Depression elevates suicide risk over 20-fold and is a risk factor for cardiovascular death.
Increased depressive symptom severity correlates with higher all-cause mortality, including stroke.
Functional impairments include decreased productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism, costing billions annually.

Conclusions:

Depression is a major cause of disease burden, projected to be the leading cause by 2030.
The impact of depression extends beyond the individual, affecting families and society.
Addressing depression is crucial for public health and economic well-being.