Dr. Husseini Manji, director of the molecular and pathophysiology program at Wayne State Medical School, says treatment options have increased as scientists have learned more about the biochemical causes for depression. In most cases of moderate to severe depression, Manji says medication is almost necessary. It's also believed to have long-term effects on both the heart and immune system, in addition to crippling social effects. Bingham Farms psychiatrist Alvin Michaels says talking to a depressed person is important. But to communicate, people have to feel they're understood.
Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages and races.
A person may have the illness if he's experienced two weeks or more of at least four of the following symptoms. Sad or depressed mood. Sleeping too much or too little. Changes in appetite. Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions.