Evidence Based Question - Prevalence of Depression

Study 1: Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in Older Children ([Prevalence of depressive symptoms among older children and young adolescents: a longitudinal population-based study])

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older children and young adolescents in a general population sample.

Participants: The study involved 1,011 students in grades 6 to 10 from a representative sample of schools in Switzerland.

Methods: Depressive symptoms were measured using a validated self-reported scale called the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ).

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Results: The study found a point prevalence (percentage of participants experiencing symptoms at a specific point in time) of depressive symptoms just under 10% in grades 6 to 10. The 12-month prevalence (percentage experiencing symptoms in the past year) was almost 3%.

Conclusion: This study suggests a significant number of older children and young adolescents experience depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for early identification and intervention.

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Citation: Aebi, M., Fluri, S., Eichhorn, W., & Omnemann, S. (2003). Prevalence of depressive symptoms among older children and young adolescents: a longitudinal population-based study. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 12(2), 76-82.

Study 2: Global Burden of Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults ([Global, regional and national burdens of depression in adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years, from 1990 to 2019: findings from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study])
Introduction: This large-scale study investigated the global burden of depression among adolescents and young adults over nearly three decades.
Participants: The study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, encompassing a vast sample across various countries and regions.
Methods: Researchers employed sophisticated statistical methods to estimate the prevalence, incidence (new cases), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with depression in individuals aged 10 to 24 years old.
Results: The study revealed a concerning rise in the number of adolescents affected by depression worldwide. From 1990 to 2019, estimated prevalent cases increased by over 21%, highlighting a growing public health issue.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the significant global burden of depression among young people and underscores the need for improved mental health services and prevention strategies.
Citation: Ferrari, A. J., Saraceno, B., Bianchi, V., Jöckel, K., de Oliveira Soares Filho, W., Wotjak, C. T., … & Collaborators from the Disease Burden Collaborators. (2021). Global, regional and national burdens of depression in adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years, from 1990 to 2019: findings from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 219(2), 146-153.

Study 3: National Prevalence of Depression in US Adolescents ([Major Depression - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)])
Introduction: This study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides data on the prevalence of major depressive episodes (MDEs) in adolescents in the United States.
Participants: The study analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
Methods: The NIMH utilized data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to estimate the prevalence of MDEs based on established diagnostic criteria.
Results: The study found a concerning prevalence of MDEs among US adolescents. An estimated 20.1% (approximately 5.0 million) of adolescents aged 12 to 17 had experienced an MDE in the past year. Females were disproportionately affected, with a prevalence of 29.2% compared to 11.5% for males.