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 frequency 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.
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.
Depression Statistics: General
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In
any given year, about seven percent - between 13
million and 14 million people - will experience a
depressive disorder.
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Of
those who develop depression, only about 20 percent
will receive adequate treatment.
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About 16 percent of adults will experience
depression at some point in their life.
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About 97 percent of those reporting depression also
reported that their work, home life and
relationships suffered as a result.
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Depression can quadruple a person's risk of dying
within 6 months after a heart attack.
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Depression is also known to weaken the immune
system, making the body more susceptible to physical
illness.
Depression Statistics: Women
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Women are twice as likely to experience depression
as men.
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Approximately 7 million women in the United States
are clinically depressed.
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One
in five women can expect to develop clinical
depression at some time in her life.
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Depression is the leading cause of disability in
women.
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Only
one of every three depressed women will seek
professional help.
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Almost 15 percent of women suffering from severe
depression will commit suicide.
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About 10 percent of women will experience postpartum
depression in the months following the birth of a
child.
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Married women have higher rates of depression than
single women, with depression most likely during
childbearing years.
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Depression in women occurs most frequently between
the ages of 25 and 44.
Depression Statistics: Men
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Though women experience depression at double the
rate of men, men are three times as likely to commit
suicide than women.
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Suicide is most common among men who are separated,
widowed, divorced.
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One
in seven men will develop depression within 6 months
of becoming unemployed.
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Retired men are also at an increased risk for
depression.
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Men
recently diagnosed with depression are at double the
risk of cardiovascular problems in the next five
years.
Depression Statistics: Children
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Research indicates that the onset of depression
occurs earlier now than in past decades.
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Up
to 2.5 percent of children in the United States
suffers from depression.
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Up
to 8.3 percent of adolescents in the United States
suffers from depression.
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During childhood, boys and girls experience
depression at about equal rates.
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Girls entering puberty are twice as likely than boys
to experience depression.
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Children with depression are more likely to have a
family history of depression.
Depression Statistics: Elderly
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Depression affects about 6 million elderly people.
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Elderly women experience depression more often than
elderly men.
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Older people, as a group, are most at risk for
suicide.
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One
quarter of all suicides are committed by the
elderly.
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Depression occurs in about 15 percent of those over
the age of 65.
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Depression in nursing home residents can reach as
high as 25 percent.
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Only
about 10 percent of the elderly experiencing
depression seek professional help.
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Caucasian men over the age of 80 are six times more
likely than any other demographic group to commit
suicide.
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Older people with depression have about 50 percent
higher healthcare costs.
Depression Statistics: Suicide
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Two
out of every three people who commit suicide visited
their health care provider in the month prior.
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Two
out of every three people who commit suicide have
talked about suicide to friends or family.
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Suicide is the third leading cause of death for
people between the ages of 15 and 24.
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Suicide is the sixth leading cause of death for
children between the ages of 5 and 14.
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The
risk of suicide increases, particularly in
adolescent boys, if the person has a conduct
disorder or substance abuse problem in addition to
depression.
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