CDC: More than 5% of Americans experience depression
More than one in 20 Americans over the age of 11 experienced depression between 2005 and 2006, according to a report released Sept. 3 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Rates of depression were highest among 40–59 year olds, women and non-Hispanic black persons. In addition, those with income below the federal poverty level were more likely to experience depression.
Only 29% of all persons with depression reported contacting a mental health professional, while 39% of those with severe depression reported contacting one. A separate report shows that 15% of children aged 4–17 years had parents talk to a health care provider or school staff about their child’s emotional or behavioral difficulties. Approximately 5% of children were prescribed medication for difficulties with emotions or behavior; 89% of those children were prescribed medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
