Depression has been recognized as a major public health evidenced by its ranking of fourth position among the global burden of diseases. Many believe it will occupy second position by the year 2020. Studies have been done in Iraq and neighboring countries in the Arabic area. This is the first study in Kirkuk.

To determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristic of depressive disorders in Kirkuk county. To compare it with previous studies in Iraq and other countries. To try to draw some inferences from the study, in order to develop psychiatric services to meet the demand of this challenging disorder.

231 depressed patients were included, 78 men, 153 women. Outpatients attendees were included after they consented to participate. DSM IV TR criteria were used to identify cases.

Women outnumbered men (66%), unemployed were a majority (61%), rural areas were over represented (61.5%). Widowed came at the top (30%) followed by divorced (28%). The lowest rate was in Married (17%). Major depression was the most common subtype (61%) followed by dysthymia(15%), while the lowest subtype is bipolar depression 14(6%). Loss of energy or fatigue was the most frequent symptom (77%), while the lowest was suicidal idea (25%). The highest comorbidity was anxiety disorders (male14%, female46%). Alcohol and drug abuse were nonexistent in women and very low in men (3%, 5%).

The frequency of depression subtypes among patients were as follows, major depression 61%, dysthymia 15%, psychotic depression 9.5%, postpartum depression 8.6%, bipolar depression 6%. The sociodemographic characteristic factors are consistent with some previous findings. The high comorbidity of anxiety disorders among depressed patients may be due to situational factors nowadays.