Depression and Its Pharmacological Management: A Critical Review

Abstract

Depression is considered as an affective disorder characterized primarily by change of mood. It is associated with significant socioeconomic problems, morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of major depression in the general population is estimated at 5% in world population. Prevalence ranges from 9% in ambulatory medical patients to 30% in hospitalized patients. According to the World Health report approximately 450 million people suffer from a mental or behavioral disorder, yet only a small minority of them receives even the most basic treatment. Currently, the available anti-depressant agents are associated with unwanted side effects and have their own limitations. An increasing number of herbal products have been introduced into psychiatric practice, as alternative or complementary medicines. The added advantages of indigenous medicinal treatment would include its complementary nature to the conventional treatment making latter safer, well tolerated and economical remedy for depressive disorders.