ABSTRACT
Recent advances in the understanding of the nature of depressive dis-
orders have brought about a shift in the concepts of treatment and
recovery. Depression is recognized to be a serious disorder with morbid-
ity and mortality comparable to medical conditions such as diabetes and
ischaemic heart disease. It is frequently undertreated, has the potential
for chronicity, and even when successfully treated carries a high risk of
recurrence. Depression causes personal suffering for individuals and
families, and inflicts a heavy economic burden on society as a whole.
