This report, based on the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), found that, in 2007, 8.2 percent of adolescents (an estimated 2.0 million youths aged 12 to 17) experienced at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year, and about two fifths (38.9 percent) of those received treatment for depression in the past year. Among adolescents with past year MDE, those with no health insurance coverage were much less likely than those with Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program or private health insurance to have received treatment (17.2 vs. 42.9 and 40.6 percent, respectively). 

From the report:

Depression involves persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of feelings of self-worth, and loss of interest in usual activities, and each year it affects millions of adolescents. Although many treatment options are available for depression—including psychotherapeutic approaches and medications—many adolescents who need these services may not access them. Increasing parental, caregiver, and teacher awareness of the signs of adolescent depression and ensuring that effective mental health treatment services are easily accessible may help to increase service utilization and improve the current and future well-being of America’s adolescents. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) includes questions about major depressive episode (MDE) and treatment for depression. MDE is defined using the diagnostic criteria set forth in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), which specifies a period of 2 weeks or longer in which there is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-image. Treatment for depression is defined as seeing or talking to a medical doctor or other professional about depression or using prescription medication in the past year for depression. This issue of The NSDUH Report, which focuses on MDE and treatment for depression among adolescents (i.e., youths aged 12 to 17), uses findings based on 2007 NSDUH data.

Download the report from SAMHSA's OAS here: NSDUH Report: Major Depressive Episode and Treatment Among Adolescents (PDF|277KB)

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA). NSDUH Report: Major depressive episode and treatment among adolescents. Office of Applied Studies.