Depression has become a prevalent public health issue in recent years. A study in the June 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association says major depression affects 13 million to 14 million American adults each year -- more than previously thought. Researchers say the average person who reported major depression in the past year reported an average of 35 days when he or she was unable to work or carry out other normal activities because of depression.
Another study in JAMA found that depression costs employers $44 billion per year in lost productive time compared to $13 billion among those without depression.
What causes depression? Is the cause more physically or emotionally based? Is depression really more common these days, or is simply more recognized? Should doctors routinely screen patients for depression during regular checkups?
Is there anything employers -- or society as a whole -- should be doing to prevent depression?
Researchers continue to study treatments for depression. What do you think is most effective -- prescription drugs, alternative therapies, counseling, or a combination?
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