Depression Affects 1 in 13 American Adults and 1 in 12 Teens

Depression is a tough and it makes everything else tougher. Many of my patients don’t recognize that depression is a disease just like diabetes, high blood pressure or the flu. It is a medical problem and there are medical solutions that can help. But first depression must be recognized as a problem.

During these uncertain times, depression is on the rise. The economic crises combined with living in a country at war with terrorism can create a sense of gloom that can lead to depression. If enough stressors pile up – things like losing a job, facing a health crisis or suffering the loss of a loved one – they can topple even the most resilient soul.

I think the two most common misperceptions I see in my practice are:

1. Mistaking depression for another medical condition.
2. Believing depression is something you just “get over”.

Definition of Depression

Depression is defined medically as “a period of 2 weeks or longer during which there is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, including problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-image”.

Treatment for Depression

Depression is treated in one of three ways:

1. Talking with or seeing a medical or other professional.
2. Talking with or seeing a medical or other professional and using a prescription drug.
3. Using a prescription drug only.

Depression in Adults

Recently published data from the report, Major Depressive Episode and Treatment among Adults, published by The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 1 in 13 Americans aged 18 or older experienced depression in the past year. The data in this report was obtained from 45,437 persons aged 18 or older who were considered to be “a representative sample of the population “ and answered questionnaires in face-to-face interviews at their place of residence.

Among the adults in the survey:

• 14.2 % of Americans who described their health as “fair” or “poor” suffered from depression, while only 4.3 % of those who described themselves in “excellent” health had a depressive episode. [My note: So looking after your health can prevent depression, too.]
• 69% of those who suffered depression spoke to a health professional and were prescribed medication.
• 24% spoke to a health professional but were not prescribed medication
• Adults who did not seek treatment listed the following reasons: couldn’t afford it, chose to deal with it on their own, didn’t know where to go for help, didn’t have time to seek care, had no insurance to cover care, or were concerned about confidentiality.

Depression in Teens

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health also surveyed a “representative sample” of approximately 22,000 adolescents across the United States. Data reported in Major Depressive Episode and Treatment among Adolescents found that 1 in 12 American adolescents (or 2 million teens) experienced depression in the past year. Of that total, only 800,000 received treatment. Looked at another way, 1.2 million teens received no treatment for their depression.

The survey found that among adolescents only17.2% those without health insurance received treatment for depression compared to those who had either Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (42.9% received treatment) or private health insurance coverage (40.6% received treatment).

Closing Thoughts

Statistics can be helpful, but you are not a statistic. We humans face many challenges and during times when those challenges threaten to overwhelm our ability to cope, depression (and its twin – anxiety) can occur. There is help available – if you can get to it.

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety be reassured that it is highly treatable. Seek care wherever you can find it – whether that is from your medical provider, your pastor/minister/priest, or a school or workplace counselor. The clouds will eventually pass and the sun will come out again. Never stop believing in yourself.

This information is offered for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat. For that please seek direct care from a health professional.

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