Depression significantly impacts public health in the United States, affecting approximately 7% of adults annually. More than 16% -roughly one in six – will experience depression at some point in their lifetime. However, the actual prevalence is likely higher as many individuals do not seek help and remain undiagnosed.
In children, about 4.4% are
diagnosed with depression. For adolescents, around 4.1 million aged 12 to 17 have experienced a major depressive episode, with significant treatment gaps; about 60% do not receive treatment for depression. The rates of depression among adolescents are rising, with more than 5% of children aged 6 to 17 reported to have current anxiety or depression.