The first worldwide comparison of depression with four other non-fatal chronic diseases shows that feeling seriously blue is the most disabling of all, according to a study released Friday. The results of a quality-of-life index called the "global mean health score" showed that depression was, by a significant margin, the most difficult to bear.

    "Our findings are consistent with earlier studies that have shown a high degree of association between depression and disability," commented lead author Saba Moussavi of the WHO and colleagues.

    They also note that even if the prevalence of depression is similar to the four other chronic physical diseases, the lifetime risk -- the number of people who cycle in and out of depression -- is five to 10 times greater. 

    研究人員首次在全球范圍內將沮喪與四種非致命性慢性病的危害作了對比，結果發現，心情沮喪帶來的危害更大。

    經過計算，衡量基本生活質量的“全球平均健康指數”表明，沮喪是讓人最難忍受的。研究人員稱，“此前的研究表明，沮喪與健康不佳之間有著很高的關聯性，我們的研究也與此一致。”

    研究人員提醒說，雖然沮喪與其它四種慢性病(哮喘、關節炎、心絞痛和糖尿病)蔓延程度差不多，可是沮喪給人帶來的長期威脅卻要大五到十倍。