Search Content

Untreated depression can increase risk of depressive episodes becoming more frequent, prolonged and/or severe over time and increase risk of suicide. It can significantly interfere with one’s functioning at work, school, and/or in interpersonal relationships. Depression can also increase risk of alcohol and/or substance use disorders. Additionally, depression can worsen the course and outcome of chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and others.

Psychotherapy and medications are the most commonly used treatments for depressive disorders. For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy is generally thought to be the first line treatment. For moderate to severe depression, a combination of medications and psychotherapy is often considered. For severe depression that has not responded to multiple trials of medications and psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be some of the treatment options. The type of treatment hat is suitable for an individual depends on an individual’s specific clinical situation.

Anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are some of the psychiatric conditions commonly found co-existing with major depressive disorder (Hasin et al 2018, Steffan et al 2020). Other psychiatric conditions too, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, can co-occur with depression.