Depression Facts

The staff of the Depression Clincal and Research Program has and will continue to compile resources to provide the public with information on Depression and the effects it can have on patients, loved ones, and society. The DCRP at MGH is dedicated to performing state-of-the-art research to aimed at improving the standard of care for people suffering from major depressive disorder. Please use the links above to view MGH resources, and carefully selected Web resources available to the public.

If you suspect that you have depression, please consult with your doctor for a thorough examination. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, contact their doctor or call 911 immediately.

A few facts about Depression:

Depression is an illness associated with significant chronicity and disability, having a profound impact on the quality of life.
Depression is currently the leading cause of disability in developed countries, and the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide.
Projections estimate that depression will rise to be the second leading cause disability worldwide by the year 2020.
Currently, the annual cost of depression to society in the US alone has been estimated at 70 to 80 billion dollars.
In the last 50 years, the suicide rate for 15-19 year olds has tripled while the suicide rate for 10-14 year olds has doubled. Currently, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death in adolescents.

In view of the debilitating impact of depression on the quality of life and the expected increase in disability worldwide, research is urgently needed to study new treatments aimed at improving the standard of care for depression. The DCRP is committed to the conduct of state of the art research in Depression. If you would like to personally contribute to this effort, please contact:

Maurizio Fava, M.D. Director, Depression Clinical and Research Program Massachusetts General Hospital WACC #812 Boston, MA 02114