Depression

The hidden costs of depression: implications for the public and private sectors: highlights from a health care sector discussion

Mental illness, in particular depressive illness, exacts a hidden toll, not only on the individual, but also on families, friends, employers, coworkers, the community and society as a whole. Although awareness of depression has increased dramatically in recent years, its economic impact often goes unappreciated; indeed the direct and indirect costs of depression and mental illness have been estimated to be as much as $14.4 billion annually in Canada.(1)

Using cutting-edge technologies, researchers are getting closer to revolutionary new treatments 'There are going to be huge breakthroughs over the next 10 years,' says one doctor, by Debra Black

Scientists are on the verge of a revolution in understanding and treating depression.

In laboratories around the world- including Toronto, where researchers are acclaimed for their leading-edge work- scientists are using genetics, brain biology, population and personality studies to slowly piece together a portrait of the disease.

Depression appears to be one of the most prevalent disorders among older adults, with estimates as high as 15 per cent, and 25 per cent among institutionalized elderly.

Childhood trauma haunts women: Improving depression treatment for women goal of study

She saw women battling depression come to the inpatient mood disorder unit in the psychology department of the University of Toronto and was struck by how many of them weren't responding to their antidepressants. She noted the high numbers of women with trauma in their pasts and wondered if there was some relationship between the two that was being overlooked.

Workplace depression costs employers billions of dollars each year. Some 670,000 working Canadians, or five per cent of the workforce, are affected by depression: but due to stigma fewer than one third will ever seek treatment.