A review of Blue Cross Blue Shield medical claims show major depression diagnoses spiked 33 percent from 2013 through 2016, climbing fastest among adolescents and millennials, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's Health of America Report.
The report reviewed medical claims data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index pertaining to major depression and other chronic health conditions.
Here are seven report findings.
1. BCBS members were diagnosed with major depression at a rate of 4.4 percent, up 33 percent from 2013 through 2016.
2. The rate climbed fastest among adolescents (up 63 percent) and millennials (up 47 percent).
3. Major depression diagnosis rates vary by as much as 300 percent by state, with Rhode Island on the high end (6.4 percent) and Hawaii on the low end (2.1 percent).
4. Women (6 percent) were diagnosed with major depression at double the rate as men (3 percent).
5. The report found a strong link between major depression and chronic conditions. Nearly 85 percent of people diagnosed with major depression also have one or more serious chronic health conditions.
6. Patients diagnosed with major depression use healthcare services more than those without, which results in more than double the amount of healthcare spending ($10,673 compared to $4,283).
7. Karyn Horowitz, MD, a psychiatrist affiliated with East Providence, R.I.-based Bradley Hospital, suggested the increased rates of depression in adolescents could be linked to an increased use of electronics and social media.
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