Julia Bretschneider|Silke Janitza|Frank Jacobi|Julia Thom|Ulfert Hapke|Tobias Kurth|Ulrike Maske
Time trends in depression prevalence and health-related correlates: results from population-based surveys in Germany 1997–1999 vs. 2009–2012
Robert Koch Institute|Robert Koch Institute|Psychologische Hochschule Berlin|Robert Koch Institute|Robert Koch Institute|Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin|Robert Koch Institute
although epidemic depression frequently claimed empirical evidence inconsistent depending country study design depression assessment little known changes depression time germany although health insurance companies report frequency increases examined time trends depression prevalence severity healthrelated correlates general population data obtained mental health module german health interview examination survey adults 20092012 n 3265 mental health supplement german national health interview examination survey 1998 19971999 n 4176 excluding respondents older 65 12month major depressive disorder mdd severity symptoms assessed based composite international diagnostic interview healthrelated quality life sf36 selfreported sick days days limitations normal daily life activities examined calculations carried populationweighted additional agestandardized analyses conducted account demographic changes overall mdd 12month prevalence remained stable 74 women showed shifted age distribution increased prevalence younger ages increasing mdd severity time trends healthrelated correlates occurred participants without mdd mental health disability increased time particularly among men mdd reflected mental component score sf36 days activity limitation due mental health problems demographic changes marginal impact time trends contrast ongoing international debate regarding increased depression rates western countries found increase overall mdd prevalence germany long period conclusion increased depression frequencies national health insurance data growing health care costs associated depression attributable overall prevalence changes population level however shifted age distribution increased severity among women may reflect rising depression risk within specific subgroup changes healthrelated correlates indicate growing mental health care need depression particularly among men