Feeling kind of "low" or "anxious" once in a while is
one thing. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is
something else entirely.
MDD and GAD are serious conditions that one can’t just "snap
out of."
- MDD is the leading cause of disability in the US for people
aged 15 to 44.
- MDD affects approximately 14.8 million American adults,
or about 6.7% of the US population aged 18 and older, in a
given year.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
approximately 6.8 million American adults suffer from GAD.
Women are more likely to report
feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and/or excessive guilt, whereas men are more likely to acknowledge symptoms of fatigue,
irritability, loss of interest/pleasure in activities, and sleep
disturbances.
Additionally, men are more likely than women to turn to
alcohol or drugs when they are depressed.
Older adults experience MDD and GAD, too. However, these
illnesses are not a normal part of aging. Depressive symptoms
among older adults may be different and less obvious, so they
may be more easily overlooked. Also, older adults are more
likely to have medical conditions (such as heart disease,
stroke, or cancer), which may cause depressive symptoms, or
they may be taking medications that have side effects that
contribute to depression.
For the majority of older adults, depression improves when
they receive treatment with an antidepressant, psychotherapy,
or a combination of both.
MDD and GAD can only be diagnosed by a healthcare
professional. If you receive a diagnosis of MDD or GAD,
your healthcare professional can help determine the right
treatment plan for you.
NEXT: UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION