There is no question that depression is a widespread condition, affecting men, women and children alike. Depression statistics show interesting information about who is most likely to become depressed, how many people are receiving treatment, and at what age people are becoming depressed.
Prevalence of Depression
Though it may seem as though we hear more about depression these days, the occurrence in adults has actually dropped from nearly 8 percent in 2004 to a 6.4 percent in 2008. Depression is much higher in women than in men, with 8.1 percent of women and 4.6 percent of men diagnosed in 2008.
Age of Depression Sufferers
Depression is significantly more prevalent in younger adults, with the highest percentages, around 9 percent, being in the 18-25 age group. In adults aged 26-49, 7.4 percent were diagnosed in 2008, compared to a much lower instance of 4.5 percent in those aged 50 and older.
The average age when depression is first diagnosed is 32 years.
Treatment of Depression
In a 12-month study, 51.7 percent of people with depression were reported to receive treatment, and 19.6 percent of those received only minimally adequate treatment.
These depression statistics do not define the course of your own depression treatment, however, and it is important to take a proactive approach to treating depression with a combination of medication and therapy.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1MDD_ADULT.shtml
