Depression is a common mental disorder that affects both males and females in every age group and is found across cultures. An investigation into the global burden of disease found depressive disorders to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide (Ferrari et al., 2013). Depression is characterized by a combination of emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioural symptoms (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013; Oltmanns, Emery, & Taylor, 2006). Depressed persons often experience sad mood, disturbed sleep, poor concentration, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, marked loss of libido, decrease in energy and, in worse cases, thoughts of suicide (APA, 2013; World Health Organization [WHO], 2008). These symptoms may become chronic or reoccur over the lifespan and can lead to substantial functional impairments resulting in an inability to participate in everyday activities and responsibilities (WHO, 2010). In addition to substantially reducing quality of life for sufferers and their families, severe cases of depression can lead to completed suicide. Due to the substantial burden of depression on individuals, families and communities, the prevention and treatment of depression has become an important public health issue.
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| Date | 2015 |
