Some who suffer severe forms of depression are unable to eat or get out of bed. An estimated 15 percent of people hospitalized for depression eventually take their own lives. Others have ongoing, chronic symptoms. In some cases, symptoms appear suddenly for no apparent reason. In others, the symptoms seem to be associated with a life crisis, stress, or other illness.
Research shows that depressive illnesses run in families.
A complete history of current and previous symptoms Questions about illnesses of other family members Questions about mood, memory, and changes in relationships. Disturbed ability to make decisions Grandiose notions Being easily distracted. Treatment is Needed When five or more of these symptoms last longer than two weeks or interfere with ordinary functioning, professional treatment is needed. There are effective medications and psychological treatments that often are used in combination. A number of short-term talk therapies to treat clinical depression have been developed in recent years.