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Depression Is Leading Cause Of Disability

KYW Medical Report Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Some say that the workplace can be a jungle. Based on visits to the doctor it might be!

Carpal tunnel syndrome, injured back, neck strains, slips and falls are all causes of workers missing time and workers compensation. You might be surprised by the fact that the leading cause of absenteeism in this country is none of these. It's depression.

According to research from the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is the leading cause of non-fatal disability among people 15 to 44, and nothing else is even close.

It costs the United States $53 billion annually in direct treatment costs, mortality and lost productivity.

The major issue with depression is that it starts so early in life. Most people with depression have symptoms in their twenties.

There is good news. We have effective treatments and are developing more all of the time but you need to seek help to get better.

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