In some cultural contexts, some people may express their mood changes more readily in the form of bodily symptoms (e.g. Several other symptoms are also present, which may include poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about dying or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling especially tired or low in energy. Symptoms and patternsĭuring a depressive episode, the person experiences depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty) or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. In countries of all income levels, people who experience depression are often not correctly diagnosed, and others who do not have the disorder are too often misdiagnosed and prescribed antidepressants.

Barriers to effective care include a lack of resources, lack of trained health-care providers and social stigma associated with mental disorders. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.Īlthough there are known, effective treatments for mental disorders, more than 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment (2). Over 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. Especially when recurrent and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life.

Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression (1). Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years (1).

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