Depression and Poverty I. Psychosocial and Cultural Determinants

The WorldHealth Organization estimatesthat over 100 millionpeople worldwidesuJferfrom depression, that three times as many may be aJfected (1). While major advances have occurred in our understanding qf the biological aspects of depression, the understanding qfpsychosocial causes of depression is still largely sketchy. Thus adequate intervention in dealing with this aspect of treatment qfdepression is scarce. This paper, divided into two parts, will review recent findings in psychosocial causes qf depression and suggest certain strategies.for intervention, speculate on the roles qfpoverty and the issues raisedby povertyon the rates ofdepression and suggest certain strategies.for intervention in the treatment ofdepression amongst thepoor.