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Depression
Epidemiology
The exact prevalence of depression is difficult to establish because researchers have often defined the condition differently. Since the 1970s, studies have been conducted using the internationally accepted definition of 'major depression'. These have shown fairly consistently that, in any given 6-month period, roughly 3% to 4% of the general population suffers symptoms consistent with major depression. Lifetime prevalence of depression is 5-12% in men and 12-20% in women. It is unlikely, however, that all these people will seek treatment. Depression tends to be more common in women than in men. The reasons for this bias are unknown, but women seem to experience more risk factors than men (Kaplan et al., 1994).
6-month prevalence of major depression
in recent studies (Paykel, 1989)
Location
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Percentage of people suffering from depression in a 6-month period
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.
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Men
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Women
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Total
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Edinburgh*
|
-
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7.0
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-
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New Haven, USA
|
3.2
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5.2
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4.3
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Various, USA
|
1.7
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4.0
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3.0
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Puerto Rico
|
2.4
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3.3
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3.0
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|
* Men were not included in the Edinburgh study.
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