Depression: The Leading Cause Of Suicide

Depression is a severe disorder and the leading cause of suicide. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in The United States. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) lists the major symptoms of depression as follows: depressed mood, anhedonia, occurring at least twice a week, alterations in sleep, eating, changes in body weight, decreased attention, inability to concentrate, feeling guilty or suicidal ideations. Depression costs the United States economy an estimated fifty billion dollars each year.
After the diagnosis of depression is determined, treatment needs to start as soon as possible. The next decision is what treatment to try? Historically electroconvulsive therapy