More depressed teens in the clinic

Number of inpatient treatments of children increased significantly due to depression

28/02/2014

More and more children are treated in German clinics because of depression. This resulted in an evaluation of the health insurance DAK-health. However, the result can also be assessed as positive, since there is a de-tabulation of depression in society, according to the health insurance company.

Enttabuization of depression in children and adults
For the investigation, the experts of the DAK Health evaluated data of the Federal Statistical Office from the years 2004 to 2012. Thus, the number of inpatient treatment for children and adolescents between 10 and 20 years of age has tripled to 12,567 cases nationwide. There were 3,426 cases in the 15- to 20-year-olds in 2004. By 2012, the annual number increased to 9,939 patients. For the younger generation (10 to 15 years), the number of cases increased from 750 to 2,628 per year over the same period. With age, girls are more likely to be affected by depression as boys. In adolescence, the mental illness even affects twice as many young women as young men.

In the large increase in inpatient treatments for childhood depression, DAK health also has a positive aspect. It is an indication of the de-tabulation of the mental illness. „Today it is less a blemish when someone is suffering from depression“, explains psychologist Frank Meiners in a statement from the health insurance company. „Also, signs of a depressive disorder are much more likely to be detected. Early treatment reduces the risk that depression will become chronic.“ Gottfried Prehofer, head of DAK health in Bavaria, is also of the opinion: „We are more sensitive.“ (Ag)