Some statistics about depression

Another reports coming from Norway concerning depression and related disorders are based on studies by two research groups which have conducted experiments in certain areas of the country. Statistical data reveals:" Lifetime prevalence, i.e. the proportion of the population who will have one or other mental disorder during their lifetime, ranges from 25 per cent to 52 per cent. The average prevalence is around 40 per cent." By adding the fact that large percentage of patients who suffer from one or another mental disorder do not seek any help from a professional(the reason may be that they think that this condition is not serious or they simply feel embarrassed to seek help), it turns out that the average prevalence is much higher than 40 per cent.


Do you know that alcohol consumption in Europe is 2.5 times higher than the average outside Europe and that alcohol consumption in Scandinavia has increased by around 20% over the past 10 years? Have you ever encountered the fact that immigrants from Africa and Asia drink less alcohol than ethnic Scandinavians? Do you know that 33% of people diagnosed with depression have problem with alcohol as well? Alcohol is closely related with depression and it is usual to hear from a depressed person that he/she is drowning their sorrow in the bottle after a terrible divorce or for some other reason.