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MDD is a serious medical condition. In contrast to the normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss, or passing negative mood states, clinical depression is persistent and interferes significantly with an individual's ability to function. Depression can be devastating to family relationships, friendships, and the ability to work or go to school. Many people still believe that the emotional symptoms caused by depression are "not real," and that a person should be able to "shake off" the symptoms. Because of these inaccurate beliefs, people with depression may not recognize that they have a treatable disorder or may be discouraged from seeking or staying on treatment.
MDD is Treatable
The good news is that, once diagnosed, depression is highly treatable. While there are no guarantees, and success rates vary with circumstances, appropriate treatment can reduce or completely eliminate symptoms of major depression in more than 80 percent of patients -particularly when depressive symptoms are recognized early. Even if patients relapse, recurrences can be treated effectively. A standard course of pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy can benefit the majority of patients with MDD.
Who Can Treat MDD?
MDD can be effectively treated by mental health professionals or by primary healthcare providers. If you wish to refer your patients to a mental health professional it is vital that this person have adequate training and experience in treating people with depression.
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