Depression Takes Its Toll
New Data Reveal Millions Affected
Millions of people across the Nation live under the strain of depression. According to SAMHSA data, an estimated 2.0 million adolescents and 16.5 million adults age 18 or older experienced at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in 2007.
Did all of these people receive treatment? Unfortunately, no they didn’t, according to two new reports from SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
In fact, less than 40 percent of adolescents who experienced at least one past-year MDE received treatment in the same time period. For adults, the numbers are a bit more encouraging—64.5 percent of those who experienced MDE sought treatment in 2007.
Among those who received treatment for depression in the past year, 53.2 percent saw or talked to a medical doctor or other professional about depression, but did not take prescription medication for depression. In addition, 40.4 percent saw or talked to a medical doctor or other professional about depression and used prescription medication for depression. The remainder (6.4 percent) took prescription medication for depression, but did not see or talk to a medical doctor or other professional about depression.
Of adults who were treated, 68.8 percent consulted with or received treatment from a health professional and also used prescription medication for their depression. Another 24.0 percent saw or talked to a health professional but did not use a prescription medication. And 7.1 percent
took prescription medication but did not see or talk with a medical doctor
or other professional.
Find out more by visiting SAMHSA’s Office of Applied Studies Web site.
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Source for Adolescents:
Source: SAMHSA Office of Applied Studies. 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The NSDUH Report: Major Depressive Episode and Treatment among Adolescents. Figure 1. Type of Treatment Received for Depression in the Past Year among Adolescents Who Experienced Past-Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and Received Treatment for Depression in the Past Year: 2007. May 11, 2009.
Source for Adults:
Source: SAMHSA Office of Applied Studies. 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The NSDUH Report: Major Depressive Episode and Treatment among Adults. Figure 1. Type of Treatment Received for Depression in the Past-Year among Adults Who Experienced Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and Received Treatment for Depression in the Past Year: 2007. May 14, 2009.
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