Trends in depression prevalence in the USA from 2005 to 2015: widening disparities in vulnerable groups

Abstract

The prevalence of depression increased significantly in the USA from 2005 to 2015. The rate of increase in depression among youth was significantly more rapid relative to older groups. Further research into understanding the macro level, micro level, and individual factors that are contributing to the increase in depression, including factors specific to demographic subgroups, would help to direct public health prevention and intervention efforts.

America’s Declining Well-Being, Health, and Life Expectancy: Not Just a White Problem

“…Unfortunately, data on objective measures of depression prevalence in the US population or elsewhere are thin. 25 Over the relatively near term, clinical depression is worsening in the United States, albeit mostly among younger people.…”

From ‘having’ to ‘being’: self‐worth and the current crisis of American society

“…Similar mental‐health problems are affecting individuals in the upper income bracket (greater than $75,000), adults (55 years old and more), and non‐Hispanic whites (Weinberger et al ) . Money and work are cited as the most common reasons for stress by these higher income adults.…”

A second opinion: diagnosis and prescription of the American case

“…But of course many, probably the most stressed, students are not (yet) UMC. Lamont also cites a study of rates of depression between 2005 and 2015 (Weinberger et al ). But, while most income groups in this very large national survey showed small elevations, the poorest group worsened more than did the richest .…”

“… Calculations from the Weinberger et al () supplement: The upward slope for the poorest was 0.152 percentage points per year and for the richest, 0.088 (the base rates being inversely associated with income). The only educational category to show an increase were those with ‘some college’ – which may include many youth.…”