Depression is an extremely complex disease. Some people experience depression during a serious medical illness, during life-changes such as a move or the death of a loved one. Numerous other factors can cause or increase depression. Some of these factors are abuse, specific medications, personality conflicts, genetics and anxiety disorders. Depression seems to run in families which suggest that there is a genetic link to depression. Given all the evidence scientists have about a family link to depression, they have not been able to identify a "depression" gene. There is no blood test to diagnose depression. A guideline that is used in treating major depressive disorder is when symptoms are present for most of a day for about two weeks. Some of the symptoms are: difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, continuing sadness, feeling worthless or guilty, low energy or fatigue. Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness with about 19 million Americans suffering with one form or another of the illness. Panic Disorder, a form of anxiety, affects 20% of those with bipolar disorder. Treatment for this disorder is long term and requires consistant evaluating and monitoring by health care professionals.
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