Sections
Epidemiology of Mood Disorders | Risk Factors for Mood Disorders | Global Burden of Mood Disorders | Economics of Mood Disorders | Course of Mood Disorders
Excerpt
Mood disorders, and depression in particular, are among the most
prevalent and disabling of all medical conditions. Although significant
advances have been made in epidemiological studies, methodological
issues affect our interpretation of the data. Diagnostic instruments
differ a great deal in their reliability, validity, and comprehensiveness.
Even when studies are carefully done, some data, such as lifetime prevalence,
are affected by factors such as recall bias.