In 1992, a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that major depression is becoming more prevalent. Depression causes intense personal suffering. Depressed people often feel worthless, hopeless, and help less. They lose interest and pleasure in normal activities, including eating and sex, and have to push themselves to go to work or interact with friends. They often feel anxious or agitated.
Insomnia frequently occurs, although some de pressed people sleep too much.
Not surprisingly, they often have thoughts of death or suicide. Early recognition and treatment of depression may be one of the best ways to reduce the number of suicides. Depression is also a national problem. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 17 million Americans suffer from depression each year. Employers feel the cost of depression among workers in absenteeism, lower productivity, increased accidents, and the inappropriate use of medical services.