Depression afflicts approximately 17 million Americans, from children to the elderly, in all walks of life. It reportedly afflicts twice as many women as men (although some observers speculate that this could be because fewer men admit they need treatment).

Among those prone to depression are people:

 
• With close relatives who have had depression  
• Who have had depression before  
• With low self-esteem or self-loathing  
• With chronic medical disorders, including thyroid disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure  
• Who take certain medications, including oral contraceptives, steroids, and some medications for high blood pressure  
• With a loved one who is seriously ill  
• Who are alcoholic or drug-abusing  
• Who are withdrawing from alcohol or drug addiction  
• Who are going through stressful or traumatic life events

In the elderly, depression:

 
• May be a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease  
• May be caused by undiagnosed physical illness before the symptoms of the disease itself become evident  
• May be a side effect of many drugs that are commonly prescribed for the elderly