Depression in Couples and Families

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in clinical settings. As many as 10% of individuals in the United States suffer from this mood disorder. The impact of depression is widespread and leads to economic, health, family, and societal difficulties. This entry focuses on explaining the systemic impact of depression on individuals, couples, and families. After identifying the various forms of depression, the entry discusses various contributing factors to the onset, maintenance, and management of depression. An overview of approaches and considerations for systemic treatment of depression concludes the entry.