Health
Adolescent girls at higher risk for major depression than teen boys
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 2, 2008
One in 12 teens had a major depressive episode within the past year, and females were at greater risk than males, according to a report issued last month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
According to "Major Depressive Episode among Youths Aged 12 to 17 in the United States: 2004 to 2006," which analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.5% of those ages 12 to 17 had such an incident within the past year. The rate for girls was 12.7% and for boys, 4.6%. The risk increased with age, and those with the condition reported significant disruption to their lives. Approximately 48.3% reported severe impairment and an average of 25.8 days when they were unable to participate in normal activities. The rate of very severe impairment was 21%, resulting in a loss of activity on 58.4 days.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/06/02/hlbf0602.htm.
