As evaluation and treatment proceeded, two relevant facts emerged. First, she had been subject to bouts of irritability and moodiness going back to childhood. Second, her past relationship with her father contributed to angry outbursts directed at her husband and sons. Treatment with one of the newer anti-depressants alleviated her symptoms within weeks. This enabled Annette to resolve conflicts, through psychotherapy, about her father leading to a better relationship with her husband.
Major depression strikes one in four women, and one in ten men during their lifetime.
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.