Is the prevalence of major depression increasing in Canadian adolescents? Assessing trends from 2000 to 2014

Overview

Abstract (English)

Objective: The aim of this thesis was to determine whether there is evidence of an epidemic of major depression in Canadian adolescents. Methods: Prevalence estimates for major depressive episodes (MDE) were derived from a series of Canadian Community Health Surveys. Meta regression and graphical analyses were used to evaluate trends over time. Results: The findings do not support an increase in MDE prevalence in Canadian adolescents from 2000 to 2014 (=0.0006; p=0.532). Age and sex groups did not modify the observance of trends. A post hoc analysis observed mood disorder diagnosis to increase from 2003 to 2014 (=0.0012; p=0.024). Conclusion: MDE prevalence in adolescents has remained relatively stable over the past 15 years. These results suggest mood disorder diagnosis is increasing, which may contribute to the popular belief of an epidemic in adolescents. Policy makers may need to incorporate increasing need of services into future planning.

Abstract (French)

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