A GP guide to familial risk for depression and bipolar disorder
In Australia, the lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder is estimated at 11.6%1 and that of bipolar disorder at 1.3%.2
Major depressive disorder, sometimes called clinical depression or unipolar depression and involves low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities lasting at least two weeks.3
The key characteristic of bipolar disorder is the occurrence of distinct episodes of opposing extremes of mood — namely, hypomania/mania and depression.2,3
Presence of a family history of depression is considered the strongest documented risk factor for depression.4