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 et al., (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). Women are at a higher rate to attempt suicides when clinically depressed.
- 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 40-59.
- 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, inadequate housing and crimes 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%.