How Common Is Depression In Adults

Depression Statistics In America

• 17.3 million adults have had at least one major depressive episode.
• Of those with major depressive episodes, 63.8% of adults and 70.77% of adolescents had severe impairment.
• Women are nearly twice as likely as men to have depression.
• Major depressive episodes were most prevalent among adults and adolescents reporting two or more races.

Data Source And Methods

Data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey data were used for this analysis. NHIS is a nationally representative multipurpose health survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. It is conducted continuously throughout the year by the National Center for Health Statistics . Interviews are conducted in the respondents home, but follow-ups to complete interviews may be conducted by telephone when necessary. For more information about NHIS, visit:

Point estimates and the corresponding variances were calculated using SAS-callable SUDAAN version 11.0 to account for the complex sample design of NHIS. Linear, quadratic, and cubic trends by age were evaluated using orthogonal polynomials in logistic regression. Differences between percentages were evaluated using two-sided significance tests at the 0.05 level. All estimates presented meet NCHS data presentation standards for proportions .

Depression In Older Adults: More Facts

Depression affects more than 19 million Americans every year, regardless of age, race, or gender. While depression is not a normal part of the aging process, there is a strong likelihood of it occurring when other physical health conditions are present. For example, nearly a quarter of the 600,000 people who experience a stroke in a given year will experience clinical depression. Unfortunately, symptoms of depression are often overlooked and untreated when they coincide with other medical illnesses or life events that commonly occur as people age . However, clinical depression is never a normal response it is a serious medical illness that should be treated at any age.

Prevalence

• More than two million of the 34 million Americans age 65 and older suffer from some form of depression.

Co-occurring Illnesses

• Symptoms of clinical depression can be triggered by other chronic illnesses common in later life, such as Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

Widowhood

• One-third of widows/widowers meet criteria for depression in the first month after the death of their spouse, and half of these individuals remain clinically depressed after one year.

Healthcare Costs

• Older patients with symptoms of depression have roughly 50% higher healthcare costs than non-depressed seniors.

Suicide

Treatment

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How Is Depression In Women Treated During Pregnancy

Growing evidence suggests that many antidepressant medicines, including most SSRIs , appear to have minimal risks when treating depression during pregnancy, at least in terms of the potential short-term effects on the baby. Long-term effects continue to be studied.

Risks can differ, depending on medication as well as many other things during a pregnancy that can endanger a developing fetus. Untreated depression can put both mother and infant at risk. Sometimes, electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation are used to treat severe depression during pregnancy when other treatments have not worked

Discuss the possible risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.

Prevalence Of Major Depressive Episode Among Adults

• Figure 1 shows the past year prevalence of major depressive episode among U.S. adults aged 18 or older in 2020.
• An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.
• The prevalence of major depressive episode was higher among adult females compared to males .
• The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 .

• The prevalence of major depressive episode was highest among those who report having multiple races .

Figure 1

*Persons of Hispanic origin may be of any race all other racial/ethnic groups are non-Hispanic |AI/AN = American Indian / Alaskan Native.Note: The estimate for Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander group is not reported in the above figure due to low precision of data collection in 2020.

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Changes In Weight And Eating Behaviors

Clinical depression often affects the body as well as the mind. Depending on the situation, it can lead to a loss of or increase in appetite, which can lead to rapid weight loss or gain. People who experience clinical depression may also find it difficult to feel comfortable in their own bodies, as self-image and self-esteem issues are often linked to depression.

Stats For Depression Treatment

Although it might sound unlikely, there are countries where less than 10% of the population receives treatment for their disorder. Thankfully, there are many online therapy sites and other treatment options that can be of great help for those with depression. Read the statistics on depression and the treatment of this disorder below.

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What Is The Impact Of Depression On Pregnancy

The potential impact of depression on a pregnancy includes:

• Affecting a woman’s ability to care for themselves during pregnancy. They may be less able to follow medical recommendations and to sleep and eat properly.
• Causing a woman to use substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs, which could harm the baby.
• Making it hard to bond with the baby.

Pregnancy may have an impact on depression in women:

• The stresses of pregnancy can contribute to the start of depression, a recurrence of depression symptoms, or worsening symptoms.
• Depression during pregnancy can raise the risk of depression after delivery .

Does Depression In Women Happen During Pregnancy

Pregnancy was once assumed to be a period of well-being that protected women against psychiatric disorders. But depression is almost as common in pregnant women as it is in those who are not pregnant. Things that can raise the risk of depression in women during pregnancy are:

• A history of depression or PMDD
• Age at time of pregnancy
• Living alone

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Elderly Depression As A Side Effect Of Medication

Symptoms of depression can also occur as a side effect of many commonly prescribed drugs. Youre particularly at risk if youre taking multiple medications. While the mood-related side effects of prescription medication can affect anyone, older adults are more sensitive because, as we age, our bodies become less efficient at metabolizing and processing drugs.

If you feel depressed after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor. You may be able to lower your dose or switch to another medication that doesnt impact your mood.

Medications that can cause or worsen depression include:

Whether cognitive decline is caused by dementia or depression, its important to see a doctor right away. If its depression, memory, concentration, and energy will bounce back with treatment. Treatment for dementia will also improve your quality of life. And in some types of dementia, symptoms can be reversed, halted, or slowed.

Beyond Treatment: What You Can Do

As you continue treatment, you may gradually start to feel better. Remember that if you are taking medication, it may take several weeks for it to start working. If the first medication does not work, be open to trying another. You may need to try a few different medications before finding one that works for you. Sometimes, if an antidepressant medication is only partially effective, adding a second medication of a different type can be helpful.

Try to do things that you used to enjoy before you had depression. Studies have shown that doing these things, even when you dont expect to enjoy them, can help lift your spirits. Go easy on yourself. Other things that may help:

• Break up large tasks into small ones, and do what you can as you can. Dont try to do too many things at once.
• Spend time with other people and talk to a friend or relative about your feelings.
• Stick to your treatment plan. It will take time for treatment to work.
• Discuss decisions with others who know you well. Do not make important life decisions until you feel better.

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Helping Someone Who Is Depressed

If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The first and most important thing you can do to help a friend or relative who has depression is to help them find an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment on their behalf and go with them to see the doctor. Encourage them to stay in treatment or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after six to eight weeks.

To help a friend or relative:

• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.

• Engage your friend or relative in conversation, and listen carefully.

• Never disparage feelings your friend or relative expresses, but point out realities and offer hope.

• Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend’s or relative’s therapist or doctor.

• Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if they decline, but don’t push them to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure.

• Remind them that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

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How Do I Know If Its Depression

Someone who is depressed has feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time. He or she may also experience

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, earlymorning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment

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How Do I Help Someone With Depression

If you know someone who has depression, first help him or her see a doctor or mental health professional. Several ways you can help an older adult with depression is to:

• Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
• Help keep track of his or her appointments and weekly pillbox if possible because many older adults with depression may not be thinking clearly.
• Try to make sure he or she has a way of getting to doctor visits.
• Talk to him or her, and listen carefully.
• Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved ones therapist or doctor.
• Invite him or her out for walks or outings, or to engage in indoor activities with you.
• Remind him or her that, with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

Short Form Health Survey

As part of the Medical Outcomes Study , a multi-year, multi-site study that investigated variations in patient outcomes, the RAND Corporation developed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey as a set of easily administered quality-of-life measures. These measures rely on patient self-reports and are widely used for routine monitoring and assessment of care outcomes in the adult population. The survey can be completed in 10 minutes or less.

Ware, J.E., & Sherbourne, C.D. . The MOS 36-item short-form health survey : I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Medical Care, 30, 473-483.

McHorney, C.A., Ware Jr, J.E., Lu, J.R., & Sherbourne, C.D. . The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey : III. Tests of data quality, scaling assumptions, and reliability across diverse patient groups. Medical Care, 32, 40-66. Retrieved from

More Information

• 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument

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What Are The Symptoms Of Depression

Each person is different and will have unique symptoms, but here are some of the more common symptoms of depression:

• Depressed mood
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usually-enjoyed activities
• Change in weight or appetite
• Sleep disturbances

Statistical Methods And Measurement Caveats

Diagnostic Assessment:

Population:

• The entirety of NSDUH respondents for the major depressive episode estimates is the civilian, non-institutionalized population aged 12-17 and 18 years old or older residing within the United States.
• The survey covers residents of households and persons in non-institutional group quarters .
• The survey does not cover persons who, for the entire year, had no fixed address were on active military duty or who resided in institutional group quarters .
• Some adults and adolescents in these excluded categories may have had a major depressive episode in the past year, but they are not accounted for in the NSDUH major depressive episode estimates.
• Sex was recorded by the interviewer.

Interview Response and Completion:

• In 2020, 39.6% of the selected NSDUH sample did not complete the interview.
• Reasons for non-response to interviewing include: refusal to participate respondent unavailable or no one at home and other reasons such as physical/mental incompetence or language barriers .
• Adults and adolescents with major depressive episode may disproportionately fall into these non-response categories. While NSDUH weighting includes non-response adjustments to reduce bias, these adjustments may not fully account for differential non-response by mental illness status.

Data Suppression:

Background on the 2020 NSDUH and the COVID-19 Pandemic:

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Talking To Your Doctor

If you think you have depression, the first step is to talk to your doctor or health care provider. Your doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam to rule out other conditions that may be causing or contributing to your depression symptoms. He or she may also ask you a series of questions about how youre feeling. It is important to be open and honest about your symptoms, even if you feel embarrassed or shy.

If other factors can be ruled out, the doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or psychiatrist. Some providers are specially trained to treat depression and other emotional problems in older adults.

Depression And Suicide Risk

Depression usually does not lead to suicide ideation. But, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, studies have shown that about two percent of people who have been treated for depression in an outpatient setting will die by suicide. If the treatment is inpatient, the number doubles to four percent. Men are more likely to die by suicide after depression than women. Find hotlines and organizations for support in our .

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Suicidal Thoughts And Self

Suicidal thoughts and self-harm arent mental health diagnoses. But they are related to mental health. Over the course of someones lifetime :

• 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts
• 1 in 14 people self-harm
• 1 in 15 people attempt suicide.

Women are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and make suicide attempts than men . But men are 3 times more likely to take their own life than women .

Which Conditions Occur Alongside Depression

People who have certain health conditions or illnesses may be more likely to experience depression than those who do not.

If someone has received a poor prognosis or they have painful or difficult symptoms, this may affect their mood over a period of time, resulting in depression.

The following sections will look at some health conditions that may occur alongside depression.

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Depression Statistics By Age

• Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old had the highest rate of major depressive episodes followed by young adults 18 to 25 years old .
• Older adults aged 50 and older had the lowest rate of major depressive episodes .
• 11.5 million adults had a major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year as of 2018.
• Severe depression among college students rose from 9.4% to 21.1% from 2013 to 2018.
• The rate of moderate to severe depression rose from 23.2% to 41.1% from 2007 to 2018.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a condition that occurs in children and youth ages 6 to 18. It involves a chronic and severe irritability resulting in severe and frequent temper outbursts. The temper outbursts can be verbal or can involve behavior such as physical aggression toward people or property. These outbursts are significantly out of proportion to the situation and are not consistent with the childs developmental age. They must occur frequently and typically in response to frustration. In between the outbursts, the childs mood is persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day. This mood is noticeable by others, such as parents, teachers, and peers.

In order for a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder to be made, symptoms must be present for at least one year in at least two settings and the condition must begin before age 10. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is much more common in males than females. It may occur along with other disorders, including major depressive, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, anxiety, and conduct disorders.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can have a significant impact on the childs ability to function and a significant impact on the family. Chronic, severe irritability and temper outbursts can disrupt family life, make it difficult for the child/youth to make or keep friendships, and cause difficulties at school.

Treatment typically involves and/or medications.

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Fact: Men And Women Experience Depression Differently

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, but when men do struggle with depressive episodes they often have a different experience. Many of the symptoms overlap, such as sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in diet and sleep, but there are also some symptoms men experience with depression that women do not. These symptoms are often overlooked and may account for some of the discrepancy in diagnoses between men and women: physical pains, like headaches and indigestion, anger and irritability, and reckless and impulsive behaviors.

Some other differences are that women tend to feel more guilt and shame than men and are more likely to blame themselves for difficulties. Women are more likely to feel anxious, while men are more likely to be suspicious. Women who are depressed tend to avoid conflict, while men may seek it out. Men may also experience more stigma associated with depression and may be less likely to reach out for help or admit to having symptoms. Here are some other statistics about depression and gender:

• Twelve percent of American women will have depression at some point in their lives.
• Women are more likely to struggle with depression after a divorce than men.
• More women are diagnosed with depression than men.
• Between 10 and 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression.
• Depression in women increases the risk of broken bones.
• Women may develop depression during the premenstrual period and during perimenopause.