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Data given on
state level depression rates
(August/September
2007 Issue)
By Pamela Berard
Youth ages 12 to 17 had more Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) in
the past year than adults 18 and older, according to data released
by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA).
About nine percent of youths aged 12 to 17, and 7.6 percent of
adults aged 18 or older, experienced at least one major depressive
episode, according to SAMHSA administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D. He
spoke about the results at a June Mental Health America meeting
held in Washington, D.C.
The analysis showed that rates of past year MDE among adults aged
18 or older were among the highest in Utah (10.1 percent) and Rhode
Island (9.9). Hawaii's rate (6.7 percent) was the lowest. Other
New England states had the following rates: Connecticut (9.2), Maine
(9.0), Massachusetts (7.8), New Hampshire (7.2), Vermont (8.0).
About 7.3 percent of adults in New York, which is marking the sixth
anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, experienced at least
one MDE.
Among 12 to 17 year olds, rates of past year MDE were highest in
Idaho (10.4 percent) and lowest in Louisiana (7.2). Rates in New
England were: Connecticut (10.2), Massachusetts (8.9), Maine (10.1),
New Hampshire (9.7), Rhode Island (9.3) and Vermont (8.5). The rate
in New York was 9.2 percent.
The state-by-state mental health data is a powerful new tool for
policymakers at the federal, state and local levels to identify
state prevention and treatment needs and to target resources appropriately,
says Cline.
States can use the data to measure progress and see where their
challenges remain, Cline says. They can also use the data in grant
applications to the federal government or other entities to justify
need and report progress. Or, they can use the data to dig deeper
into what is happening in their state as well as to improve outcomes
and validate their own surveys, Cline adds.
State estimates of past year MDE were produced using data from
the combined 2004 and 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
surveys. The prevalence of MDE is based on standard definitions
and survey methods applied uniformly throughout the nation.
MDE is defined using criteria from the fourth edition of the "Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," which specifies a period
of two weeks or longer during which there is a depressed mood or
loss of interest or pleasure and at least four other symptoms that
reflect a change in functioning (i.e., lack of sleep or problems
with concentration or self-image), according to the report.
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