Depression Prevalence in Adolescents and Adults: United States, August 2021-August 2023

This report presents the most recent depression prevalence estimates in adolescents and adults, ages 12 years and older, based on the August 2021-August 2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Depression symptoms are measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Prevalence of depression was estimated using August 2021-August 2023 NHANES data. Depression was defined by score of 10 or greater on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a validated screening instrument used to assess depression symptoms in the past 2 weeks. Standard errors of percentages were estimated using Taylor series linearization. A t statistic was used to test for differences between groups. Linear and nonlinear trends were evaluated using the orthogonal polynomials. The significance level for statistical testing was p < 0.05.

During August 2021-August 2023, depression prevalence was 13.1% in adolescents and adults ages 12 years and older and decreased with increasing age. Depression prevalence decreased with increasing family income overall and in males and females. From 2013-2014 to August 2021-August 2023, the prevalence of depression increased overall, and in males and females. Among adolescents and adults with depression, 87.9% reported at least some difficulty with work, home, or social activities due to their depression symptoms, and a higher percentage of females (43.0%) than males (33.2%) reported receiving therapy or counseling in the past 12 months.