Depression and Antidepressants

Depression is the most common serious mental disorder worldwide
* Depression affects approximately 121 million people worldwide and is the fourth leading cause of disability and premature death.
* The World Health Organization projects that by the year 2020, depressive disorders will become the second-leading cause of disability worldwide.
* Depression is the most prevalent mental health condition in the United States, affecting approximately 19 million American adults each year.
* Studies indicate that depressive episodes occur twice as frequently in women as in men.

Depression and Antidepressants:

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidal) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with MDD and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of any antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance the risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidal or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.