Depression differs from normal mood fluctuations and short-term emotional responses to everyday challenges. However, lasting with moderate to severe severity, depression can become a serious health condition. It can cause those affected to suffer greatly and perform poorly at work, at school and in their families. At worst, depression can lead to suicide.
Depression is a common illness worldwide, affecting more than 264 million people. Major depressive disorder is one of the most common forms of schizophrenia, affecting approximately one in six of the men and one in four women in their lives.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe condition characterized by low mood, lowered interests, poor cognitive function, and vegetative symptoms such as disordered sleep or eating. MDD affects one in every six adults in their lifetime and affects about twice as many women as men.