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Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide affecting individuals of all ages according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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Annually, 1 in 20 adults will suffer from a depressive episode
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1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men will suffer from depressive episodes severe enough to warrant treatment during some stage of their life
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At present, it is the leading cause of disability across the world and impacts heavily on the global burden of disease.
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France and the United States are the most affected countiries with a prevalence of 21% and 19% respectively.
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Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental disorder in Britain The UK possess one of the highest self harm statistics in Europe (400 per 100,000).
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It is the 3rd most prevalent complaint presenting to a GP.
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In England, approximately 13-16% of the elderly suffer from severe depression, and in residential care it increases up to 50%.
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It is estimated that 2.5-5% of the population will suffer from subthreshold depressive symptoms (for a duration of 2 years) during some stage of their life.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), has revealed that approximately 1/5 of individuals showed signs of anxiety or depression, with the highest prevelance seen in individuals aged 40-59 and those over 80.
They have also found that individuals in different circumstances display more/less signs of anxiety or depression:
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Marrital status/relationships: 27% of indivuals that were divorced/separated showed signs of anxiety or depresion compared to 16% who were either married or in a civil partnership., and 20% who were widows or cohabiting
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Employment status: 23% of indivuals who were not in paid work showed symptoms of anxiety or depression compared to 15% who were in paid work
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Health status: satisfaction with health has a siginificant impact as 38% of individuals discontented with their health displayed symptoms of depression compared to 11% who were to some extent, or entirely satisfied
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Carers for either elderly, sick or disabled patients at home: It was shown that 25 % of such carers showed symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to 17% who did not provide this particular care