National, State-Level, and County-Level Prevalence Estimates of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Self-Reporting a Lifetime Diagnosis of Depression — United States, 2020

Weekly / June 16, 2023 / 72(24);644–650

Benjamin Lee, MPH^1,2; Yan Wang, PhD¹; Susan A. Carlson, PhD¹; Kurt J. Greenlund, PhD¹; Hua Lu, MS¹; Yong Liu, MD¹; Janet B. Croft, PhD¹; Paul I. Eke, PhD¹; Machell Town, PhD¹; Craig W. Thomas, PhD¹ (VIEW AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS)

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Depression is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.

What is added by this report?

During 2020, 18.4% of U.S. adults reported having ever been diagnosed with depression; state-level age-standardized estimates ranged from 12.7% in Hawaii to 27.5% in West Virginia. Model-based age-standardized county-level prevalence estimates ranged from 10.7% to 31.9%, and there was considerable state-level and county-level variability.

What are implications for public health practice?

Decision-makers can use these estimates to guide resource allocation to areas where the need is greatest, possibly by implementing practices such as those recommended by The Guide to Community Preventive Services Task Force and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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