Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disabling mood disorder that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, prevents a person from functioning normally.  More specifically, a person living with MDD is likely to have a history of hospitalization, social isolation, severe and sustained impairment in ability to work and long-term disruption of ability to perform activities of daily living.

Annually, MDD affects 14.8 million American adults or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 or older.

Along with the individual, MDD also affects loved ones – at times destroying relationships with family, friends and caregivers, and adversely affecting workplace dynamics.  Therefore, the human cost in suffering cannot be overestimated.