Health Insurance Quotes, 9 Percent of Americans Suffer from Depression
Health Insurance Quotes, 9 Percent of Americans Suffer from Depression: Nearly one in ten Americans meets the criteria for clinical depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers collected data from over 230,000 U.S. adults between 2006 and 2008 and found that 9 percent of respondents met the criteria for depression. The report did not indicate how many of those suffering from depression are actually receiving treatment. The groups most likely to suffer from major depression–the most severe form–include women, minorities, those without a high school education and the unemployed. The South has higher depression rates than the rest of the nation. Residents in the South also have higher rates of obesity and weight-related conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
Depression rates are highest in Mississippi, where 14.9 percent met criteria for depression. Mississippi is also the poorest state in the nation per capita. Rates were lowest in North Dakota at 4.8 percent. Symptoms of depression include prolonged sadness; loss of interest in activities; low sex drive; poor concentration; crying spells; sleep troubles; frequent feelings of irritability or agitation; and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
A stigma against depression keeps many sufferers from seeking medical treatment, but lack of access to medical care also plays a role. The report found that those without health insurance were more likely to suffer from major depression than those with coverage.