Prevalence of Depression

Among Adults & Adolescents

Prevalence of adult depression in the United States

According to a 2020 national survey, an estimated 21 million adults—more than 8% of all U.S. adults—had at least one major depressive episode. A subset of this population—15 million adults or 6% of all U.S. adults—had a major depressive episode with severe impairment.

The prevalence of experiencing a major depressive episode was:

- Higher among adult females (10.5%) compared to males (6%)
- Highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17%)
- Highest among those that report having multiple (two or more) races (16%)

Receiving treatment for depression in the prior year:

- Of the adults with a major depressive episode, 66% received treatment
- Among adults with severe impairment, 71% received treatment

Prevalence of adolescent depression in the United States

According to the same 2020 survey, an estimated 4 million adolescents ages 12-17—representing 17% of all U.S. teens–had at least one major depressive episode. A subset of this population—3 million adolescents or 12% of all U.S. adolescents—had a major depressive episode with severe impairment.

The prevalence of experiencing a major depressive episode was:

Higher among adolescent females (25%) compared to males (9%)
Highest among adolescents reporting two or more races (30%)

Receiving treatment for depression in the prior year:

Of the adolescents with a major depressive episode, 42% received treatment
Among adolescents with severe impairment, 47% received treatment

Depression can occur, though at lower rates, among children. During adolescence, rates gradually increase, so that by age 14 or 15 they equal those of adults. Rates decrease slightly among the elderly, but depression remains a frequent and serious problem among this age group.

Depression is followed in 10% of cases by problems with alcohol or drugs.

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