Major depressive episodes (MDEs) are more common among adolescents ages 12 to 17 with asthma or diabetes, than among adolescents without these conditions, according to a new report from SAMHSA. Additionally, adolescent girls who were overweight or obese were more likely to have experienced an MDE in the past year than their peers.
SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) combined 2005 to 2014 data show that 1 in 7 adolescents with diabetes had a MDE in the past year, compared to 1 in 11 adolescents without diabetes. MDE was more likely among adolescents with asthma compared to adolescents without asthma (11.4 vs. 8.8 percent). Adolescents with bronchitis or pneumonia also were more likely than other adolescents to have experienced MDE. Based on combined 2013 to 2015 NSDUH data, adolescent girls who were overweight or obese were more likely to have experienced an MDE (20.5 percent) than those who were a healthy weight (17.4 percent).
There has been a notable increase in overall rates of MDE among all adolescents. According to NSDUH data, MDE among adolescents increased from 8.8 percent in 2005 to 12.5 percent in 2015. Adolescents who had an MDE experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities for a period of two weeks or longer in the past 12 months and had at least some additional symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, and lack of energy.
“These data illustrate the importance of partnerships between primary health care providers, behavioral health providers, and the youth and families they serve to effectively address all of the needs of youth,” said SAMHSA Medical Director Anita Everett, M.D.
The good news is that SAMHSA has effective programs to address these issues. For example, SAMHSA’s Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families program, commonly called the Children’s Mental Health Initiative, addresses the needs of adolescents with mental disorders. In addition, SAMHSA’s Wellness Initiative promotes wellness for people with mental and/or substance use disorders with the goal of improving quality of life, health, and longevity.
The SAMHSA report is released in recognition of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day). Awareness Day 2017, “Partnering for Help and Hope,” focuses on the importance of integrating behavioral health and primary care for children, youth, and young adults with mental and/or substance use disorders. Access the complete SAMHSA report here and one-page “Spotlights,” on diabetes and asthma here.