Trends in depression prevalence in the USA from 2005 to 2015: widening disparities in vulnerable groups

Summary & key facts

A U.S. study reported that depression became more common between 2005 and 2015. The rise was faster for young people than for older adults. The study also found growing gaps in depression rates for vulnerable groups. The authors say we do not yet know a single cause and that more research is needed on social, community, and individual factors to guide prevention and treatment.

Key facts:

• Between 2005 and 2015, the prevalence of depression in the United States increased significantly (study period: 2005–2015).
• The rate of increase in depression was significantly faster among youth compared with older age groups during that 2005–2015 period.
• The study reported widening disparities in depression for vulnerable groups, meaning some subgroups saw larger increases than others.
• The authors did not identify a single cause for the rise in depression and noted uncertainty about which factors are most responsible.
• The paper recommends more research on macro-level (societal), micro-level (community or family), and individual factors — including factors specific to demographic subgroups — to help guide public health prevention and intervention efforts.

Abstract

The prevalence of depression increased significantly in the USA from 2005 to 2015. The rate of increase in depression among youth was significantly more rapid relative to older groups. Further research into understanding the macro level, micro level, and individual factors that are contributing to the increase in depression, including factors specific to demographic subgroups, would help to direct public health prevention and intervention efforts.

Topics

Cardiac Health and Mental Health Health disparities and outcomes Mental Health Treatment and Access

Categories

Health Social Sciences

Tags

Anthropology Demographics Demography Depression (economics) Economics Environmental health Ethnic group Gerontology Internal medicine Logistic regression Macroeconomics Medicine Nursing Population Public health Sociology