January 3, 2008

Treatment for Past Year Depression Among Adults

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health  asks persons aged 12 or older questions to assess lifetime and past year major depressive episode (MDE). The survey defines MDE using the diagnostic criteria set forth in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  which specifies that MDE lasts at least two weeks and includes a depressed mood, or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self image. Those with MDE are asked about their treatment experiences, which is defined as seeing or talking to a health professional about depression or using prescription medication to treat depression. In 2005 and 2006, among adults over the age of 18 with MDE, 67.4% received treatment. Of those who received treatment:

• 69.4% reported both talking to a professional and using medication

• 23.8% reported talking to a professional but not using medication

• 6.7% reported using medication but not talking to professional

Nearly half (43.2%) of those who used medication said talking to a professional was helpful. About a third (33%) of those who did not take medication said talking to a professional was helpful.