Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffDepression is a serious illness that can take a terrible toll on individuals and families. Untreated depression can result in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your life. Complications associated with depression can include:
- Alcohol abuse
- Substance abuse
- Anxiety
- Work or school problems
- Family conflicts
- Relationship difficulties
- Social isolation
- Suicide
- Self-mutilation, such as cutting
- Premature death from other medical conditions
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- Katon W, et al. Initial treatment of depression in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Deligiannidis K, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of depressive disorders in women. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33: 441.


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