Depression in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a new report citing that nearly 14 percent of adults across the country report that in their lifetime they have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. This figure is an increase of almost 50 percent from the nine percent who reported having a depressive disorder in 1999. Depression is a serious clinical illness that interferes with a person’s ability to function, and it can last for weeks, months or even years. Depression in Los Angeles, like in other areas of the country, places a serious burden on the health and well being of society. One reason for the disturbing rise in incidence may likely reflect a greater awareness about the disorder, rather than any actually increase in the number of individuals who suffer from this mental health illness.