It results from an upset in the delicate balance of brain chemicals that regulate mood. It's a powerful disease that can leave us debilitated, unable to work, maintain relationships, or deal with other responsibilities. One in five women will suffer from major depression at some time in her life, as will 1 in 15 men. Millions of depression cases are never diagnosed or treated. Untreated, major depression may last for 6 months to a year, becoming more frequent and severe.
Depression is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed problems.
Many doctors treat the obvious symptoms of depression, such as poor appetite, insomnia, and headaches, but overlook the real problem. Untreated, depression can become more frequent and severe, leading to physical and emotional suffering, loss of job and relationships, even to suicide. Medical textbooks describe depression as a mood disorder, lasting at least 2 weeks, that produces exaggerated, inappropriate feelings of sadness, worthlessness, emptiness, and dejection. To feel upset because of a job layoff, a broken marriage, a bankruptcy, or the loss of a loved one is a perfectly normal response to an unhappy event. But endogenous, or major depression often strikes for no apparent reason.