Prevalence rates of MDD

psychology, prevalence, depression

What are the prevalence rates of MDD?

In western countries 15% of people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. This rate is 2-3 times higher in women. Depression rates are also higher in young adults, those who are divorced, and those who live in lower socioeconomic conditions. On average a depressive episode lasts 3-4 months. 80% of people who have one depressive episode will have another, with the average being 4. In 12% of cases depression becomes chronic and lasts an average of 2 years.

Weissman et al (1996) —> Aim

To investigate the prevalence rate of depression in different countries.

Weissman et al (1996) —> Method

38,000 Participants were randomly selected by calling random numbers from telephone registries from 10 different countries; US, Canada, Puerto Rico, France, Lebanon, West Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Korea, and New Zealand. They were called by a trained mental health professional and were asked about their mental health.

Weissman et al (1996) —> Findings

There was a lot of variation between countries. For example depression rates were 1.5% in Taiwan but were 19% in Lebanon. Depression rates in Paris were 16.4%, which is similar to Lebanon, even though Lebanon was in the middle of a civil war. Women and divorced people had higher rates of depression.

Weissman et al (1996) —> Use

This study demonstrates prevalence rates in different countries and shows how women and divorced people are more likely to become depressed.

Weissman et al (1996) —> Strengths

Large sample size with many different cultures.

Random sampling.

Weissman et al (1996) —> Limitations

This study was carried out in multiple lunges, making it vulnerable to translation errors. Additionally it doesn’t adres stee causes of depression and cannot explain why there is so much variation in the illness.

Kessler and Broment (2013) —> Aim

To compare prevalence of depression across different cultures.

Kessler and Broment (2013) —> Method

This was a meta analysis which consisted of review of publications using epistemological data, specifically from surveys.

Kessler and Broment (2013) —> Findings

Prevalence for depression over a lifetime ranges from 1% in the Czech republic to 16.9% in the USA. Age of onset, however, did not vary. The highest prevalence rates were women and those who live in high socioeconomically developed countries.

Kessler and Broment (2013) —> Use

One again this shows variation in prevalence, however it is still supporting what was said in the intro.

Kessler and Broment (2013) —> Strengths

Gathers data from multiple sources and multiple countries, increasing generalisability.

Is a holistic way of looking at the topic, as many variables were looked at.

Kessler and Broment (2013) —> Limitations

Uses on self report which in vulnerable to demand characteristics.

Studies used in this review could have been flawed.

Emic vs Etic approach

Using an metic approach involves using the same set criteria and applying that to all people. however if symptoms or presentation of the illness vary depending on culture then that can be missed by this approach. The opposite is an emic, where criteria change based on location. This can allow more cultural influences, however does this then mean the disorder isn’t universal?

Real differences in rate of depression

Different socioeconomic conditions

Different rates of urbanisation

Differences in how depression is reported

Differences in cultural stigma

Differences in diagnostics/diagnostic criteria