Rising Depression Rates: A Public Health Crisis Intensified by Inadequate Treatment and Lack of Awareness

A study reveals rising depression rates with no increase in therapy, highlighting a growing mental health crisis. In 2020, approximately 10% of Americans and nearly 5% of teens and young adults reported experiencing depression within the previous 12 months. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine will publish these findings online.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally representative study of Americans aged 12 and older, provided data from 2015 to 2020.

Major depression, the leading risk factor for suicide, is the most prevalent mental illness in the United States.

Depression rates have risen significantly, with the percentage of Americans suffering from depression increasing from 6.6% in 2005 to 7.3% in 2015.

Escalating Trends and Gaps in Treatment Across All Demographics

“Our study updates the depression prevalence estimates for the U.S. population through the year 2020. Moreover, it confirms escalating increases in depression from 2015 through 2019,” said lead author Renee D. Goodwin, PhD.

“This reflects a public health crisis that was intensifying in the U.S. even before the onset of the pandemic,” she explained.

“These trends suggest an escalating public health crisis. Consequently, parity and public-service announcements have failed to ensure equitable depression treatment,” Goodwin noted.

“These findings highlight the urgent need for improved efforts and resources to address and manage depression effectively,” she concluded.

Nine percent of Americans (aged 12 or older) reported having a major depressive episode in the previous year in 2020. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 (16.9 percent) and young adults aged 18 to 25 (17 percent) were more likely to experience depression. “Depression increased across gender, race, income, and education levels, with the sharpest rise in teenagers and young adults.” However, among persons 35 years of age and older, the prevalence of depression did not change. In general, the frequency of asking for assistance has stayed low.

“Most adolescents with depression did not discuss symptoms with healthcare professionals or receive treatment from 2015 to 2020,” said Goodwin.

Depression Disparities: Higher Rates Among Women, Non-Hispanic Whites, and Low-Income Individuals Highlight Urgent Need for Intervention

Among non-Hispanic white people, depression was more common than in any other racial or ethnic group. Additionally, depression was continuously more common in women than in males, as well as in adults who were not married at the time. Between 2015 and 2019, depression rates rose across all income groups, with the lowest incomes experiencing the highest rates.

“The elevated level and concentration of untreated depression among adolescents and young adults are especially problematic,” stated Goodwin.

“Untreated depression early in life is predictive of an increased risk of subsequent additional mental health problems,” he added.

“These estimates are a necessary first step in estimating the pandemic’s impact on mental health,” noted Goodwin.

“Even though the short- and long-term effects on depression are still unclear, these estimates are crucial,” he emphasized.

“There is an urgent need to increase community-based, evidence-based public awareness initiatives supporting early intervention and prevention,” said Goodwin.

“Such initiatives should focus on help-seeking and depression education to address the growing crisis,” he advised.

“Co-authors include Christina Hoven of Columbia Mailman School and the New York State Psychiatric Institute,” Goodwin acknowledged.

“Also contributing are Melody Wu from Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and Sandro Galea of Boston University,” he noted.

“Andrea H. Weinberger of Yeshiva University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine is also a co-author,” Goodwin added.

“Their collaborative research highlights the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to tackle untreated depression,” he concluded.