Depression Statistics

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With National Depression Screening Day® approaching, learn about some statistics surrounding depression.

  • One-third of individuals with a chronic illness experience symptoms of depression
  • One in five 18 to 25 year olds experienced a mental illness in the past year
  • According to the World Health Organization, depression is projected to become the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease by 2020
  • An Estimated 1 in 10 U.S. Adults Report Depression (CDC)
  • Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression. (WHO)
  • Up to 80 percent of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms generally within four to six weeks of beginning treatment. (NIH)
  • Depression is more common than AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined
  • Depression is a prevalent and increasingly recognized risk factor for both the development of and the outcome from coronary artery disease (CAD). (National Institute of Health)
  • People with depression are 4 times as likely to develop a heart attack than those without the illness.
  • Many conditions may coexist with depression. Depression may increase the risk for another illness, and dealing with an illness may lead to depression. In fact, according to the NIMH, depression affects:
  • More than 40 percent of those with post-traumatic stress disorder
    • 25 percent of those who have cancer
    • 27 percent of those with substance abuse problems
    • 50 percent of those with Parkinson’s disease
    • 50 to 75 percent of those who have an eating disorder
    • 33 percent of those who’ve had a heart attack

To complete an anonymous screening, click here.