NCHS Data Briefs Update: NCHS Data Brief, No. 172 - Depression in the U.S. Household Population, 2009–2012

NCHS Data Briefs Update

NCHS Data Brief, No. 172 - Depression in the U.S. Household Population, 2009–2012

Depression is a serious medical illness with mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Depression is associated with higher rates of chronic disease, increased health care utilization, and impaired functioning. Rates of treatment remain low, and the treatment received is often inadequate. This data brief examines both depression and depressive symptom severity in the past 2 weeks from a symptom-based questionnaire, by demographic characteristics, functioning difficulties, and recent contact with a mental health professional. Severity is categorized as severe, moderate, mild, or no depressive symptoms. Current depression is defined as severe or moderate symptoms; no depression is defined as mild or no symptoms.

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