Who is affected by depression
Depression affects people of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Young children and older adults are increasingly being diagnosed with depression.
- About 8% of adults will have major depression at some time during their lives. In any given year, between 4% and 5% of adults in Canada have major depression.1
- Depression affects twice as many females as males.
- Depression most commonly begins between ages 20 and 45 but can develop at any age.
- Depression tends to run in families.
- Depression often occurs with other illnesses, such as diabetes, heart conditions, and other chronic health problems.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Douglas Dana Ralph Poore | Last Updated: May 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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