Will I Get Better?

The course and outcome of depression varies with each individual. Depression may begin suddenly or build up gradually. It may last a few weeks, months or even years. Most depressive episodes clear spontaneously after six months.

Effective treatment can bring depression under control in a matter of weeks. However, 20 percent of patients become chronically depressed. With antidepressant therapy, the overall prognosis is positive; however, more than 50 percent of patients will have a recurrence of depression at some point in their lives.

The Risk of Suicide

The most serious complication of depression is suicide. About 15 percent of patients with untreated depression will kill themselves. It is extremely important for people to seek treatment immediately if they are feeling depressed or if they know someone who is thinking and speaking a great deal about death and suicide. People suffering from depression may feel suicide is a deserved punishment or that the world would be a better place without their existence. In some cases, depressed patients may think about harming others.

Other Complications from Depression

Aside from suicide, depression can have serious consequences resulting in poor performance at work or school, disruptive relationships, substance abuse and unnecessary medical testing. There is some concern that depression may have a negative affect on the immune system, making people more susceptible to other medical illnesses. However, this relationship never has been proven.

Read more about depression now…

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Aug 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.