Epidemiology
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, in Western industrialized nations, the lifetime risk for depression is 7-12 percent for men and 20-25 percent for women. Major depression affects 20-40 percent of people over the age of 60 and affective disorders (depression, mania) account for 50 percent of psychiatric in-patients. A considerable amount of those hospitalizations are first time psychiatric admissions. More than 50 percent of people who initially suffer a single major depressive episode eventually develop another. If untreated, a depressive episode can last anywhere from 6 - 24 months ending in full or partial recovery.
It is very important that people seek treatment for their depression as soon as the depression is recognized. Studies have shown evidence that treatment for depression is more effective earlier in the episode than before it becomes a chronic problem. Because major depression can contribute to other physical problems such as malnutrition, muscle wasting, or even pneumonia, early treatment can decrease the rate of morbidity and mortality. The elderly who are most vulnerable and at risk for depression are: women, those suffering with chronic medical diseases, multiple social stresses and poor social/family resources.
