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Major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder) is a disabling condition which adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health.
The diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires at least 5 symptoms of depression (as described above) for at least 2-weeks, and must have either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.
Treatment of major depressive disorder usually involves psychotherapy and/or an antidepressant. Some studies have shown that the combination of antidepressants with psychotherapy may be more beneficial than either alone. With proper treatment, depressive symptoms should begin to subside and mood should begin to improve within two weeks. In extreme cases and when the depression is refractory to other forms treatment, inducing a seizure under general anaesthesia by electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) may be effective.
Major depressive episodes typically last less than one year, even if untreated. However, about 80% of those suffering from their first major depressive episode will suffer from at least 1 more during their life, with a lifetime average is 4 episodes. Although suicide attempts are more frequent in women, men tend to commit suicide by more lethal means. The lifetime risk of completed suicide associated with a diagnosis of major depression in the US is estimated at 7% for men and 1% for women.
The risk of major depression is increased with cardiovascular or neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis and during the first year after childbirth (terms "Post-Partum Depression").
In North America, lifetime prevalence of major depression is about 17%. The probability of having a major depressive episode within a year-long period is 3–5% for males and 8–10% for females. Population studies have consistently shown major depression to be about twice as common in women as in men. People are most likely to suffer their first depressive episode between the ages of 30 and 40, and there is a second, smaller peak of incidence between ages 50 and 60.
