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Depression increasing in US, particularly among youth

Renee Goodwin

Recent findings indicated significant increases in depression among Americans aged 12 years and older, particularly among the youngest individuals.

“Depression appears to be increasing among Americans overall, and especially among youth,” Renee Goodwin, PhD, of Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, said in a press release. “Because depression impacts a significant percentage of the U.S. population and has serious individual and societal consequences, it is important to understand whether and how the prevalence of depression has changed over time so that trends can inform public health and outreach efforts.”

To estimate trends in prevalence of major depression in the U.S. population from 2005 to 2015, researchers analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for individuals aged 12 years and older (n = 607,520). Past-year depression prevalence was assessed annually from 2005 to 2015.

From 2005 to 2015, depression prevalence increased significantly before and after controlling for demographics.

Significant increases in depression occurred among the youngest and oldest age groups, men, women, non-Hispanic whites, individuals in the lowest income group and individuals in the highest education and income groups.

Researchers found a significant year by demographic interaction for age. The rate of increase in depression was significantly faster among youth, compared with all older age groups.

“Depression is most common among those with least access to any health care, including mental health professionals. This includes young people and those with lower levels of income and education,” Goodwin said in the release. “Despite this trend, recent data suggest that treatment for depression has not increased, and a growing number of Americans, especially socioeconomically vulnerable individuals and young persons, are suffering from untreated depression. Depression that goes untreated is the strongest risk factor for suicide behavior and recent studies show that suicide attempts have increased in recent years, especially among young women.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.