title: Descriptive epidemiology of major depressive disorder in Canada in 2012.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The epidemiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) was first described in the Canadian national population in 2002. Updated information is now available from a 2012 survey: the Canadian Community Health Study-Mental Health (CCHS-MH).
  
  
  METHODS
  The CCHS-MH employed an adaptation of the World Health Organization World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview and had a sample of n=25 113. Demographic variables, treatment, comorbidities, suicidal ideation, and perceived stigma were assessed. The analysis estimated adjusted and unadjusted frequencies and prevalence ratios. All estimates incorporated analysis methods to account for complex survey design effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The past-year prevalence of MDD was 3.9% (95% CI 3.5% to 4.2%). Prevalence was higher in women and in younger age groups. Among respondents with past-year MDD, 63.1% had sought treatment and 33.1% were taking an antidepressant (AD); 4.8% had past-year alcohol abuse and 4.5% had alcohol dependence. Among respondents with past-year MDD, the prevalence of cannabis abuse was 2.5% and that of dependence was 2.9%. For drugs other than cannabis, the prevalence of abuse was 2.3% and dependence was 2.9%. Generalized anxiety disorder was present in 24.9%. Suicide attempts were reported by 6.6% of respondents with past-year MDD. Among respondents accessing treatment, 37.5% perceived that others held negative opinions about them or treated them unfairly because of their disorder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MDD is a common, burdensome, and stigmatized condition in Canada. Seeking help from professionals was reported at a higher frequency than in prior Canadian studies, but there has been no increase in AD use among Canadians with MDD.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Member, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Scott B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Patten
authors.affiliation: Research Associate, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Jeanne V A
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Research Associate, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Dina H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lavorato
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Member, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Jian Li
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: MSc Student, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Member, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Keltie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.affiliation: Professor, Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Member, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Andrew G M
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Bulloch
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003710:Demography; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents