Prevalence

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses.

At least 8 percent of adults in the United States experience serious depression at some point during their lives, and estimates range as high as 17 percent.

The illness affects all people, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing.

However, women are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from depression.

Experts disagree on the reason for this difference.

Some cite differences in hormones, and others point to the stress caused by society’s expectations of women.

Depression occurs in all parts of the world, although the pattern of symptoms can vary.

The prevalence of depression in other countries varies widely, from 1.5 percent of people in Taiwan to 19 percent of people in Lebanon.

Some researchers believe methods of gathering data on depression account for different rates.

A number of large-scale studies indicate that depression rates have increased worldwide over the past several decades.

Furthermore, younger generations are experiencing depression at an earlier age than did previous generations.

Social scientists have proposed many explanations, including changes in family structure, urbanization, and reduced cultural and religious influences.