Why Is This Important?

Depression is one of the most prevalent and treatable mental disorders. Major depression is usually associated with co-morbid mental disorders, such as anxiety and substance use disorders, and impairment of a person's ability to function in work, home, relationship, and social roles. Depression is also a risk factor for suicide and attempted suicide. In addition, depressive disorders have been associated with an increased prevalence of chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

Definition

The percentage of adult aged 18 and above who have ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, dysthymia, or minor depression. Question Text: "Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional EVER told you that you have a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, dysthymia, or minor depression?"

Data Sources

• Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, Center for Health Statistics, New Jersey Department of Health
  (http://www.nj.gov/health/chs/njbrfs/)
• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

Overall 19.6% of adults in New Jersey reported a history of diagnosed depression in 2021. Women (21.5%) had significantly higher rates of history of diagnosed depression than men (14.9%) in 2021 (age-adjusted rates).

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

In 2021, New Jersey and U.S had similar age-adjusted rates of history of self-reported depression (19.6% vs. 20.3).