Depressive symptoms in the general population: The 7th Tromsø Study

The prevalence of depressive symptoms may differ in various age groups. aim the study was to investigate point-prevalence adult general population and impact sex, marital status, education, social support on also explored. ≥40 years city Tromsø, Norway, were invited participate survey, whom 64.7% (n=21,083) participated. All participants with a completed Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) included study. A score ≥8 HADS depression subscale (HADS-D) used indicate caseness for depression. 7.5% men 6.3% women, overall 6.9%. groups 40-49 80+ had highest caseness. HADS-D total 2.8 (SD 2.7). mean (3.1; SD 2.8) higher than women (2.6; 2,6) (p<0.001). Low support, low education not living spouse associated risk symptoms. based questionnaire, represents only an estimate population. Participants over 80 underrepresented, as fragile elderly nursing homes did participate. Depressive more prevalent youngest oldest reporting