Risk Factors
According to a major surveys, more than 13% of Americans experience major depression disorder over the course of their lifetimes. Furthermore, an estimated 18 million Americans experience major depression each year. Depression is second only to high blood pressure as a chronic condition encountered by primary care doctors. Depression is an illness that can afflict anyone, regardless of age, race, class, or gender. A third of all depressed people consider suicide, and 9% attempt it.
Gender and Depression
Depression in Women. At any given time, 5 - 9% of women are depressed, compared to 1- 3% of men. In one study, nearly half of all women surveyed had experienced depression at some point in their lives and over half of those who suffered from it had sought treatment. Women are also more apt to have multiple types of depression (dysthymia and major depression). [For more information, see box: Depression in Women.]
Depression in Men. Depression is not rare in men. In fact, prepubescent boys are more likely than girls of the same age to be depressed. Older men are also at much higher risk for suicide and, as with women, they are at risk for health complications of depression. Some evidence suggests that men are more apt than women to mask their depression by using alcohol, which may result in a lower reported (but not actual) incidence of depression in men. Some experts suggest that men with depression might be identified with the following indicators:
- Low tolerance to stress
- Behaviors such as "acting out" and being impulsive
- A history of alcohol or substance abuse
- A family history of depression, alcohol abuse, or suicide
Age and Depression
Depression in Children and Adolescents. Children ages 12 - 16 are at high risk for depression. Studies suggest that 3 – 5% of children and adolescents suffer from depression, and 10 – 15% have some depressive symptoms. Depression before puberty is more likely to occur in boys and after puberty in girls.
Depression in Adults. Surveys indicate that depression usually begins around the age of 30, although people do not generally seek treatment until they are about 33 years old. Statistics also suggest that depression is becoming more common among middle-aged people ages 45 - 64. According to a 2005 survey, middle-aged adults have the highest lifetime risk for depression.
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