C. Clinical depression is a medical illness. The large majority of cases, including the most serious, are highly responsive to treatment, yet only one-third of people with clinical depression seek treatment. More that 80 percent of people with depression can be successfully treated. In addition to these symptoms, other signs of possible clinical depression are irritability, persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, difficulty in concentrating, loss of energy and thoughts of suicide. If you experience at least five of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you should seek the advice of a doctor.
Men are twice as likely as women to experience clinical depression.
Studies have shown that women are twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression. One in seven women will be affected during her lifetime, but nearly two-thirds will not get the help they need. Psychiatrists are the only health professionals who can properly diagnose and treat mental illnesses. There is a whole range of professionals who can treat mental illnesses, including social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and pastoral counselors. Treatment can include medication, psychotherapy or both.