Depression Statistics: Demographic Intersections, Occurrence Rates, and Related Disorders
Depression is a widespread issue that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it affects approximately 3.8% of the global population, which translates to about 280 million people. The prevalence among adults is around 5%, with slightly higher rates (5.7%) in those over 60 years old [1][3].
Globally, depression is more common in females than males. About 6% of women experience depression compared to 4% of men. This gender difference is consistent across age groups, including adolescents, where for example in the United States, 29.2% of females aged 12–17 experience major depression compared to 11.5% of males of the same age [1]. Women are approximately twice as likely as men to be affected by depression and anxiety disorders worldwide [2].
Children and adolescents show notable prevalence as well, with increased rates seen particularly in female adolescents. However, exact global prevalence rates specifically for children under 12 are less frequently detailed in broad population studies.
Depression prevalence tends to increase with age, with elderly populations (60+) showing a slightly higher rate (5.7%) [1]. Geographic variations exist as well, with some countries such as Ukraine (6.3%), Australia (5.9%), and Brazil (5.8%) reporting higher rates than the global average [1]. Young adults (ages 18–25) can exhibit higher rates of depression than the general adult population; for example, 18.6% of young adults in the US experienced major depressive episodes in 2021 [1].
The global burden of depression and anxiety disorders has significantly increased during recent years, with women consistently showing higher burden than men [2]. Treatment gaps remain substantial, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where over 75% of affected individuals may not receive adequate care due to resource limitations and social stigma [1].
Depression is not limited to any specific age or socioeconomic background. It is often associated with other health conditions or illnesses, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer. For instance, people with coronary heart disease who also have depression are 59% more likely to experience an adverse cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack.
Research has shown that antidepressants help relieve symptoms in 60% of people with depression. However, it is crucial to note that only 56% of children aged 3-17 years who had depression received treatment for it [4].
Suicide is a significant concern, particularly among young people. It is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 years in the U.S. [5]. The age group most at risk of experiencing depression in the U.S. in 2017 was adults aged 18-25 years [6].
In conclusion, depression is a global issue that affects millions of people, particularly women and young adults. The prevalence increases with age and shows geographic variations. Treatment gaps remain substantial, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It is essential to raise awareness about depression, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health care.
References:
[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health
[3] Parkinson's Foundation. (2021). Depression and Parkinson's disease. https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/symptoms/depression
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Data and statistics about children's mental health. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Suicide prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/index.html
[6] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2017-nsduh-annual-national-report
- Depression, a mental health issue affecting millions worldwide, has a higher prevalence among females compared to males.
- The global prevalence of depression among adults is around 5%, with a higher rate (5.7%) in those over 60 years old.
- Children and adolescents show notable prevalence of depression, with young adults (ages 18–25) often exhibiting higher rates than the general adult population.
- The global burden of depression and anxiety disorders has significantly increased, with women consistently showing higher burden than men.
- Apart from mental health care, addressing depression also requires efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
