Introduction/Depression and Its Subtypes: A Treatment Update

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Despite the considerable advance in recent years in our understanding of thecourse and treatment of major depressive disorder, psychiatry remains challenged by significant gaps in our understanding of the etiology of the disorder andin the adequacy of our therapeutics. Although the minority of patients seekingtreatment for major depression will be refractory, the majority, despite our treatmentefforts, will endure residual symptoms, continued impairment, and recurrences.For a disorder with the adverse social and health impact of major depressionand a lifetime prevalence of about 15% of the population, the motivation to do betteris compelling.