Between 17 and 20 million Americans each year develop some form of depression. If you think you may have depression, attend National Depression Screening Day on October 11, 2001. University Psychiatric Centers/Wayne State University will offer free, anonymous depression screenings to local residents from10 a.m.-3 p.m. at University Health Center lobby, 4201 St. Antoine, Detroit.

People with depression often feel alone, not realizing that depression affects many people. In fact, one out of every five adults may experience depression at some point in their lives. Other surprising facts about this misunderstood disorder include:

Twice as many women as men suffer from depression, but risks for bipolar disorder (manic-depression) are similar in men and women;

· Recent studies have shown that heart attack survivors with major depression have a 3-4 times greater risk of dying within six months than those who do not suffer from depression;

· Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that lasts two years or more;

· The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2020, unipolar major depression will be the second-most burdensome illness in the world, surpassing respiratory infections and tuberculosis; and

· Teen suicide rates have increased more than 300% since the 1950's.

Common symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure in usual activities, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy, restlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. Manic-depression also includes feelings of euphoria and/or agitation. Unfortunately, fewer than half of those suffering from the disorders actually receives treatment; however, depression is one of the most treatable of illnesses, with the vast majority of sufferers showing improvement in as little as eight weeks.

Attendees at the FREE screenings will have the opportunity to hear an educational presentation on depression and manic-depression, complete a written screening test, and talk one-on-one with a mental health professional. Those who appear to need further evaluation will be given referrals to local treatment services.

Questions from the public should be directed to the University Psychiatric Centers' Triage Department at (888) 362-7792.