Facts and figures

The Costs

“Depressin costs the Nation more than £8 billion annually.  Included in this cost is provision of health and medical care, lost production and social security benefits.” (Depression Alliance 1999)

Gender

“One in four women and one in ten men will suffer a period of depression serious enough to require treatment through their lifetime.”  (Depression Alliance 1999)

Ethnic groups

“Suicide rates among Asian women aged 20-49, born in the Indian sub-continent are 21% higher than in the general population.”  (Depression Alliance – Press release 1999)

Children

“Depression does not affect adults alone.  The Department of Health established that between 10-20% of children may require support and help at some time.”  (Health Education Authority – mental health promotion and mental health services users fact sheet 1998)

Suicide

“Suicide threats should be taken seriously: about 70% of the 4000 suicide a year in Britain are among people suffering depression and 15% of all those experiencing depression eventually commit suicide.  Most suicides are men, nearly three times as many as women.  While men dominate the suicides, 80% of those who attempt suicide are women.”  (Sane – Depression and Manic Depression 1997)

Treatments

“More than 80% of people suffering from depression can be helped with appropriate treatment.”  (Depression Alliance 1999)

“Only 10% of people with depression consult a GP.  Only 50% of those who consult are correctly diagnosed at the outset.  Only 50% of those correctly diagnosed received medication at a therapeutic dose.  Only 50% of those receiving medication at a therapeutic dose take their medication for more than twenty-eight days.  Thus, only seven in one hundred patients with depression are effectively treated at the present time.”  (The Department of Health)

Causes of Depression (Results of 1999 Gallup Poll Survey)

A new Gallup poll has found that more people think money worries and illness or death in the family triggers depression, than any other cause.

• 88% of the population believe that money problems precipitate depression.
• 87% believe that illness or death in the family trigger  depression.
• 83% work problems and 81% relationship difficulties.

Biological factors, such as hormones or chemical imbalances, came lower on the list, with a total of 70% considering them to be a trigger for depression.  75% of women viewed biological factors as important, compared to 64% of men.

“The illness depression is a serious medical condition with biological changes in the body and definite brain changes.  This is why those who experience depression need professional help.  The danger of this public perception is that people may leave it too long before seeking help – when depression has an excellent prognosis if recognised early and treated properly.”  Dr Raj Persaud – the Maudsley Hospital.

Need for help and support

Over four fifths, 86% of people said that they would like support and information to be available to them if they were helping someone suffering from depression.

“Although extremely common, depression is a much misunderstood illness.  This is particularly true when a close friend or member of the family is affected, sometimes for no apparent reason.  There is a real need too provide carers with reliable and practical help, advise and support.  The results clearly demonstrate the wishes of friends and family in this respect, which will, in turn, help to ensure sufferers enjoy a friendly and non judgmental environment at home.”  Elizabeth Armstrong – Chair of The National Depression Campaign and Director of The National Depression Care Training Centre.

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How are people prepared to help?

Respondents were asked how willing they would be to offer different types of help to someone they knew who suffered from depression.  A total of 94% would be very or quite willing to listen to their problems; and 91% very or quite willing to encourage them to visit their doctor.

“Involvement of partners in the therapeutic process is beneficial for partners as well as patients.”  Professor Julian Leff – The Institute of Psychiatry.  

The research was carried out by the Gallup Organisation between 7th and 12th January 1999, randomly via telephone.  1060 respondents aged 16+ were interviewed who are representative of the population of GB.  At the 95% confidence level, there is a margin of error of plus or minus 3%

 We are indebited to the Depression Alliance for their help in compiling this section.