Abstract

Depression is frequent in developed populations and probably unrecognized in more undeveloped one´s. Using psychometric tests of depressive traits indicate that some 20% of the population are affected during a lifetime. The spectrum of treatment options includes therapy sessions with a great variety of therapists, medications, resident stays in psychotherapy inclined facilities and electroconvulsive treatments (ECTs). Increasing social and economic capabilities are paramount on top of the treatments chosen. The clinical effect of the different treatment options goes from the antidepressive to the ECT. In the middle we find the anesthetic ketamine.