Depression Facts
Depression Facts- Research over the past two decades has shown that people with heart disease are more likely to suffer from depression than otherwise healthy people, and conversely, that people with depression are at greater risk for developing heart disease.
These are several facts about Depression:
Depression Facts
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. Depression can occur at any age. NIMH-sponsored studies estimate that almost 10 percent of American adults, or about 19 million people age 18 and older, experience some form of depression every year.
Although available therapies alleviate symptoms in over 80 percent of those treated, less than half of people with depression get the help they need.
Depression results from abnormal functioning of the brain. The causes of depression are currently a matter of intense research.
An interaction between genetic predisposition and life history appear to determine a person's level of risk. Episodes of depression may then be triggered by stress, difficult life events, side effects of medications, or other environmental factors.
Whatever its origins, depression can limit the energy needed to keep focused on treatment for other disorders, such as heart disease.
Risk factors for heart disease other than depression include
-
High levels of cholesterol (a fat-like substance)
in the blood
-
High blood pressure
-
Smoking
-
Obesity
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Physical inactivity
On the average, each of these doubles the chance of developing heart disease.
This Article is part of the NIH Publication No. 02-5004 article
If you think you may be depressed or know someone
who is, don't lose hope. Seek help for depression.
You can find more information regarding Depression
and heart disease at the NIH website
NIH Publication No. 02-5004
Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health
May 2002
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