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. 

    研究人员首次在全球范围内将沮丧与四种非致命性慢性病的危害作了对比，结果发现，心情沮丧带来的危害更大。

    经过计算，衡量基本生活质量的“全球平均健康指数”表明，沮丧是让人最难忍受的。研究人员称，“此前的研究表明，沮丧与健康不佳之间有着很高的关联性，我们的研究也与此一致。”

    研究人员提醒说，虽然沮丧与其它四种慢性病(哮喘、关节炎、心绞痛和糖尿病)蔓延程度差不多，可是沮丧给人带来的长期威胁却要大五到十倍。