Demographic of Depression
Depression is the most common but treatable disorder in the United States. It is a serious disorder that affects approximately 15 MILLION Americans, ages 12 and older. Depression does not discriminate; it affects people regardless of age, race, gender or income.
- Pratt & Brody (2008) study concluded that females are at a higher rate of depression than males in every age group (p.1). Smith, Saisan, & Segal (2013) found the females higher rates are associated with hormonal changes, such as postpartum depression, menstruation or PMDD known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (p.1).
- More women than men attempt suicide. The rates are more for men because they use more lethal means, but they are less likely than women to attempt suicide.
- Approximately 4.0 % of men experience depression compare to women rates of 6.7%, which is much higher. Men are unlikely to acknowledge or report depression, and are more inclined to commit suicide.
- Depression affects mostly middle age adults, between the age of 40-59.
- According to a report by Lello (2012) each year about 5,000 young Americans between the ages of 15 and 24 commit suicide. The second most common cause of death among college students (p.1)
- The study conducted by Pratt & Brody (2008) showed African Americans are at a higher rate of depression compare to Caucasian and Latino population in figure 1 of the graph listed below.
- People in poverty are exposed to stressful situations and worries of unemployment, underemployed, no medical insurance and inadequate housing can lead to depression. According to the graph in figure 2, poverty affects middle age adults 40-59 at 22.4%, when young adults age 18-39 are at 11.5%.