Morbidity rate of depression
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Morbidity Rate of Depression: A Comprehensive Overview
Prevalence of Depression Morbidity
General Population Prevalence
Depression is a significant public health concern with varying prevalence rates across different populations. Recent epidemiological surveys indicate that the lifetime prevalence of depression ranges from 10% to 15% globally, with a 12-month prevalence varying from 3% in Japan to over 9% in the United States3. In the US, the prevalence of current depression is around 9%, with major depression affecting approximately 3.4% of the population3.
Older Adults
In a study conducted in Brazil among community residents aged 60 years and older, the one-month prevalence of depression morbidity was found to be 22%, with higher rates in women (25.2%) compared to men (18%)1. Factors such as younger age within the elderly group, low income, rural origin, poor self-rated health, and presence of systemic illnesses were significantly associated with higher depression morbidity1.
Trends Over Time
From 2005 to 2015, the prevalence of major depression in the US increased significantly, particularly among the youngest and oldest age groups, men, women, Non-Hispanic White persons, and those in the lowest income group6. The rate of increase in depression was notably more rapid among youth compared to older age groups6.
Depression and Co-Morbidities
Diabetes and Depression
Depression is a common co-morbidity in patients with diabetes. The prevalence of depression is more than three times higher in individuals with type 1 diabetes and nearly twice as high in those with type 2 diabetes compared to those without diabetes8. A meta-analysis revealed that approximately 28% of adults with type 2 diabetes experience depression, with higher rates observed in women compared to men9.
Multiple Morbidities
The prevalence of depression increases with the number of co-existing morbidities. For instance, individuals with concurrent diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke exhibit a very high prevalence of depression (23% in men and 49% in women)7. Depression in these patients is associated with higher healthcare utilization and increased costs7.
Impact of Depression on Morbidity and Mortality
Functional Impairment and Disability
Depression significantly impacts functional impairment and disability, leading to decreased workplace productivity and increased absenteeism. In the US, the economic burden due to absenteeism and presenteeism (being present at work but functioning suboptimally) is estimated to result in a loss of $36.6 billion per year3.
Mortality Risk
Depression is associated with a markedly increased risk of mortality, particularly from suicide and cardiovascular diseases. The mortality risk for suicide in depressed patients is more than 20-fold greater than in the general population3. Additionally, severe depression is linked to a 4 to 5 times higher long-term risk of suicide compared to mild or moderate depression4. Depression also increases the risk of cardiac mortality following a myocardial infarction and is related to the severity of the depressive episode3.
Conclusion
Depression morbidity is a pervasive issue with significant implications for public health. The prevalence of depression varies across different populations and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, income, and the presence of co-morbid conditions. The impact of depression extends beyond mental health, contributing to increased mortality, functional impairment, and economic burden. Addressing depression through effective treatment and preventive measures is crucial to mitigate its widespread effects on individuals and society.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Depression morbidity in later life: prevalence and correlates in a developing country.
Depression morbidity is prevalent in older adults in Brazil, with higher rates in those with lower income and poorer social, health, and functional status, but not significantly different by gender, education, or race/ethnicity.
Observational Study
Highly CitedLong-term morbidity in bipolar-I, bipolar-II, and unipolar major depressive disorders.
Depressive components of all major affective disorders account for 86% of long-term affective morbidity, despite effective treatments.
Rigorous JournalHighly Citedopen access to scientific and medical research Open Access Full Text Article
Depression is a significant and growing global health issue, causing increased mortality, disability, and decreased workplace productivity, resulting in a $36.6 billion annual loss in the US.
Highly CitedEpidemiology of depression
Depression has a relatively high 10-year prevalence rate in individuals aged 20 to 30.
Literature ReviewRigorous JournalTrends in depression prevalence in the USA from 2005 to 2015: widening disparities in vulnerable groups
Depression prevalence in the USA increased significantly from 2005 to 2015, with a more rapid increase in youth compared to older age groups.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPrevalence of depression and utilization of health care in single and multiple morbidity: a population-based cohort study
Depression prevalence and health-care costs are more strongly associated with the number of morbidities than the nature of the co-morbid diagnosis.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalEpidemiology of depression and diabetes: a systematic review.
Depression is more prevalent in people with diabetes, with a modest relationship between diabetes and depressive symptoms, but the exact direction of this relationship remains unclear.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedThe prevalence of comorbid depression in patients with type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on huge number of observational studies
Nearly one in four adults with type 2 diabetes experienced depression, highlighting the need for screening for co-morbid depression and its risk factors.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedAre gender differences in depression explained by gender differences in co-morbid anxiety?
Women are more likely to experience anxiety disorders, which may contribute to the gender differences in depression rates.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited