Why Is Depression Rapidly Rising Among Today’s Youth?

Depression is on the rise in the United States, according to experts from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. From 2005 to 2015, depression increased dramatically among individuals aged 12 and above, with young individuals experiencing the fastest increases. The findings, published online in the journal Psychological Medicine, highlight the rapidly rising trend of depression among youth.

Understanding the Shift in Depression Patterns

This study is the first to examine depression patterns across gender, wealth, and education over the last decade. “Depression appears to be increasing among Americans overall, and especially among youth,” said Renee Goodwin, PhD, of the Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, who conducted the study.

The Impact of Rapidly Rising Depression Rates

“Because depression impacts a significant percentage of the U.S. population and has serious individual and societal consequences, it is important to understand whether and how the prevalence of depression has changed over time, especially with its rapidly rising rates. This understanding can inform public health and outreach efforts.”

Key Findings from the Study

According to the findings, depression grew dramatically among people in the United States between 2005 and 2015, rising from 6.6% to 7.3%. Notably, the increase was most rapid among those aged 12 to 17, rising from 8.7% in 2005 to 12.7% by 2015.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual examination of individuals aged 12 and older in the United States, collected data from 607,520 respondents. The researchers assessed the annual prevalence of past-year depression among respondents using DSM-IV criteria.

Rapidly Rising Demographics of Depression Rates

Depression rates rose fastest among young and older age groups, whites, varying income levels, and highly educated individuals.

These findings align with recent research on increases in drug usage, overdose deaths, and suicides.

Access to Care and Treatment Gaps

“Depression is most widespread among people who have limited access to healthcare, especially mental health services,” Goodwin noted. This includes young people and those with lower levels of wealth and education.

Despite the rising trend, recent data indicate that treatment for depression has not increased. An increasing number of individuals, particularly socioeconomically vulnerable groups and young people, are suffering from untreated depression. Untreated depression significantly increases suicide risk, with recent research showing rising attempts, especially among young women.

The Need for Accurate Diagnosis

Depression is often misdiagnosed, despite being one of the most treatable mental conditions. Identifying subgroups with rising depression rates can guide resource allocation, helping to mitigate individual and societal costs.