anjfansari World Depression Prevention Day DEPRESSIVE EPISODE ;- The life-time risk of depression in males is 8-12% and in females is 20-26%, though the life-time risk of major depression or depressive episode is about 8%. The typical depressive episode is characterized by following features (which should last for at least 2 weeks) DEPRESSIVE MOOD;- the most important feature is the sadness of mood or loss of interest and / or pleasure in almost all activities (pervasive sadness), Present throughout the day(persistent sadness). The depressed mood varies little from day to day and is often not responsive to environmental stimuli. The loos of interest results in social with- drawal, decreased ability to function in occupational and interpersonal areas and decreased involvement in previously pleasureble activities.