查看文章

Currently, 1 in 6 of the population will, at some point during their lives, suffer from major depression. By the year 2020, it has been estimated that major depression will be the second most important cause of disability worldwide. Major depression is associated not only with significant morbidity, but with comorbid chronic illnesses and lost productivity because of excess mortality and morbidity. The most important reason for the recognition and adequate treatment of depression is that symptoms can be effectively controlled. Despite this, patients are frequently neither recognized nor treated adequately. Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of major depression can be associated with factors relating to patients, their physicians, and the health care systems that provide their care. The treatment of depressed patients with appropriate agents, at appropriate doses, for appropriate periods of time, and incorporating …