The purpose of this information is to bring awareness, based on statistics,
fact information and observational information. With these statistics in hand,
people suffering from depression can begin to understand that they are not
alone. A simple fact is that depression is occurring more often and at earlier
ages than in decades past.
The depression statistics stated in this report are the result of published
information dealing with depression statistics and fact. Although some of these
depression statistics show the frequence of depression among different
population sectors, others show the delicate mind/body connection fact. Take,
for instance, a study showing that people with depression are four times as
likely to die within six months of a heart attack. Other information shows that
when depression is high, the body's immune system suffers.
Depression Statistics: General Fact Information
- About 97 percent of those reporting depression also reported that their
work, home life and relationships suffered as a result.
- Depression can quadruple a person's risk of dying within 6 months after a
heart attack.
- Depression is also known to weaken the immune system, making the body more
susceptible to physical illness.
- About 16 percent of adults will experience depression at some point in
their life.
- Of those who develop depression, only about 20 percent will receive
adequate treatment.
- In any given year, about seven percent - between 13 million and 14 million
people - will experience a depressive disorder.
Depression Statistics: Women Fact Information
- Approximately 7 million women in the United States are clinically
depressed.
- Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men.
- Depression is the leading cause of disability in women.
- One in five women can expect to develop clinical depression at some time in
her life.
- Only one of every three depressed women will seek professional help.
- About 10 percent of women will experience postpartum depression in the
months following the birth of a child.
- Almost 15 percent of women suffering from severe depression will commit
suicide.
- Married women have higher rates of depression than single women, with
depression most likely during childbearing years.
- Depression in women occurs most frequently between the ages of 25 and 44.
Depression Statistics: Men Fact Information
- Men recently diagnosed with depression are at double the risk of
cardiovascular problems in the next five years.
- Though women experience depression at double the rate of men, men are three
times as likely to commit suicide than women.
- One in seven men will develop depression within 6 months of becoming
unemployed.
- Retired men are also at risk for depression.
- Suicide is most common among men who are separated, widowed, divorced.
Depression Statistics: Children Fact Information
- Up to 2.5 percent of children in the United States suffers from depression.
- Up to 8.3 percent of adolescents in the United States suffers from
depression.
- Research indicates that the onset of depression occurs earlier now than in
past decades.
- Children with depression are more likely to have a family history of
depression.
- During childhood, boys and girls experience depression at about equal
rates.
- Girls entering puberty are twice as likely than boys to experience
depression.
Depression Statistics: Elderly Fact Information
- Depression affects about 6 million elderly people.
- Depression occurs in about 15 percent of those over the age of 65.
- Depression in nursing home residents can reach as high as 25 percent.
- Only about 10 percent of the elderly experiencing depression seek
professional help.
- Elderly women experience depression more often than elderly men.
- Older people, as a group, are most at risk for suicide.
- One quarter of all suicides are committed by the elderly.
- Caucasian men over the age of 80 are six times more likely tan any other
demographic group to commit suicide.
- Older people with depression have about 50 percent higher healthcare costs.
Depression Statistics: Suicide Fact Information
- The risk of suicide increases, particularly in adolescent boys, if the
person has a conduct disorder or substance abuse problem in addition to
depression.
- Two out of every three people who commit suicide visited their health care
provider in the month prior.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of
15 and 24.
- Suicide is the sixth leading cause of death for children between the ages
of 5 and 14.
- Two out of every three people who commit suicide have talked about suicide
to friends or family.
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