Prevalence Of Current Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Is wealth associated with depressive symptoms in the United States?

PurposeThe aim of the study was to assess the relation between family wealth and depression in U.S. adults. MethodsParticipants were 5134 members of the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who were aged 18 years or older and completed the depression screener. Using the Patient Health Questionnaire and household demographics interview data, we calculate the adjusted odds of depressive symptoms for persons with low relative to high family savings, using multivariable logistic regression. We estimate predicted probabilities of having depressive symptoms for low and high family savings groups at low, middle, and high family income categories. ResultsOverall, 57.4% of the total weighted population had low family savings (below $20,000), and 23.7% of the weighted population had depressive symptoms. Persons with low family savings had 1.49 times higher odds (95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.21) of having depressive symptoms than persons with high family savings, controlling for gender, age, race, education, marital status, family size, and family income. Predicted probabilities of depressive symptoms were higher for low family savings groups than high family savings groups at every income level. ConclusionsFamily wealth is associated with lower prevalence of current depressive symptoms in U.S. adults. Wealth may be an important determinant of population mental health, separate and independent from income.

Association between diabetes mellitus and depressive symptoms in the Brazilian population.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo determine the prevalence of current depressive symptoms in people with diabetes mellitus and their association with the disease.METHODSData were collected from the Brazilian National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS), a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in 2013. Study participants were selected by simple random cluster sampling in three stages: census tracts, households, and residents aged ≥ 18 years. The presence of diabetes was self-reported, whereas the presence of current depressive symptoms was determined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and mean scores of this questionnaire were calculated for the variables assessed. Tobit regression was used to evaluate variation in these individuals.RESULTSOf the 60,202 interviewees, 6.03% (n = 3,636) reported diabetes mellitus. The disease was more frequent in female, older, widowed, obese and with incomplete elementary education. Depression symptoms were mild-to-moderately severe in 22% of the diabetics. The severity of current depressive symptoms was higher in individuals that were female (PHQ-9 mean = 3.35), older adults (PHQ-9 mean = 3.01), indigenous (PHQ-9 mean = 3.46), separated/divorced (PHQ-9 mean = 3.13), widowed (PHQ-9 mean = 3.39), obese (PHQ-9 mean = 3.13) and with incomplete primary education (PHQ-9 mean = 3.21). Higher severity of depressive symptoms was associated with the use of insulin and with coma (PHQ-9 mean = 8.32), limb amputation (PHQ-9 mean = 7.55), circulatory problems (PHQ-9 mean = 6.94), infarction (PHQ-9 mean = 6.83), diabetic foot (PHQ-9 mean = 6.62), and kidney problems (PHQ-9 mean = 6.68). The severity of current depressive symptoms was associated with diabetes severity and degree of limitation in activities of daily living (PHQ-9 mean = 10.62).CONCLUSIONSInterventions to improve depressive symptoms should be prioritized in people with diabetes are female, older adults, indigenous, widowed, separated/divorced, obese and with incomplete elementary education.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in older adults across the glycaemic spectrum: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

To document the prevalence of current depressive symptoms and history of depression across the glycaemic spectrum in older adults, and examine if measures of health status and healthcare satisfaction, access and utilization explain differences in the prevalence of current depressive symptoms by diabetes status. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 6226 participants aged 67-90 years who attended the 2011-2013 visit of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Diabetes was based on self-report, medication use and HbA1c . Current depressive symptoms were defined using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 11-item questionnaire, and history of depression was assessed via self-report. We examined obesity, history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney disease, cognitive function, and self-reported health compared with others. Prevalence and prevalence ratios were estimated using age-, race-, and sex-adjusted Poisson regression. The prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 5.4% in people without diabetes and 11.0% in people with diabetes (prevalence ratio 2.04, 95% CI 1.60, 2.48); the prevalence of history of depression was 11% in people without diabetes and 17.7% in people with diabetes (prevalence ratio 1.61, 95% CI 1.28,1.95). Strong correlates of current depressive symptoms were history of depression (prevalence ratio 3.86, 95% CI 3.05, 4.90) and reporting poor health compared with others (prevalence ratio 3.88, 95% CI 2.93, 5.15). No variables had significantly different associations with depressive symptoms across glycaemic categories (P for interaction >0.10). In older adults, current depressive symptoms were twice as prevalent in people with diabetes compared with those without. Measures of health status and healthcare did not explain differences in depressive symptoms between people with and without diabetes.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among adults living in the Amazon, Brazil: A population-based study

BackgroundDepression is an affective disorder and one of the main contributors to the burden of disease worldwide. Our purpose is to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors in the population of the Manaus Metropolitan Region. MethodsWe conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study with a probabilistic three-phase sampling in 2015, based on a previously calculated sample size. Adults living in Manaus and seven inner cities of the metropolitan region were surveyed for depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and a cutoff score of ≥ 9. We performed a Poisson regression with robust variance using a hierarchical approach to calculate the prevalence ratio (PR) of depression and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsAmong 4001 participants (response rate 76%), the prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 7% (95% CI: 6–8%). Depressive symptoms were more frequent in inhabitants of Manaus than in those from the countryside (PR = 6.13, 95% CI: 2.91–12.91); in women than in men (PR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.96–3.33); in indigenous than in white people (PR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.24–5.30); and in those with hypertension (PR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.13–1.92), cardiac disease (PR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.12–2.33), and poor health status (fair: PR = 5.10, 95% CI: 2.50–10.37; bad: PR = 10.27, 95% CI: 4.92–21.44 very bad: PR = 21.14, CI 95%: 10.16–43.99). High school education (PR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32–0.95) and middle class economic status (PR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12–0.89) were protective factors. LimitationsLimitations include the lack of measurement of physical activity, religious beliefs, leisure time, and use of alcohol and other drugs since these factors can affect depression and health status. ConclusionSeven out of every 100 adults from the Manaus Metropolitan Region have depressive symptoms. This rate is higher in women, individuals living in Manaus, indigenous people, people with hypertension or chronic cardiac disease, and those with a poor health status.

How common is depression in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica?

Depression is common in inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and negatively impacts on outcomes. Given the long-term nature of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and its glucocorticoid treatment, these patients may be at an increased risk of depression, although few studies exist to date. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, depression in PMR patients. Prevalent PMR patients (with a first diagnostic code for PMR in the last 3years) were mailed a postal questionnaire (n=704) examining PMR symptoms, glucocorticoid use and patient reported comorbidities. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), with a score of ≥10 defined as current depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to examine association between demographics, comorbidity and current depressive symptoms. Five hundred fifty (78%) patients responded, of which 365 (66%) were female, with a mean (SD) age of 74.1years (8.4). The prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 15% (n=81) and was significantly associated with female gender: OR 1.87 (95%CI 1.08-3.22), current PMR symptoms: OR 2.1 (1.11-3.97), self-reported acid reflux: OR 1.75 (1.05-2.93) and diabetes: OR 2.86 (1.6-5.09). Older patients were less likely to report current depressive symptoms (OR 0.35 (0.13-0.9) for those >80years versus those aged 50-59years). Depressive symptoms are common in patients with PMR patients, especially younger patients and those with comorbidities. Clinicians should consider screening these patients for depressive symptoms and managing them appropriately, as untreated depression may negatively impact on health-related outcomes and quality of life.

Cadmium, Lead, and Depressive Symptoms: Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012.

Several studies have noted an association between tobacco smoke and depression. Cadmium and lead are neurotoxicant components of tobacco smoke. The objective of the present study is to investigate the potential association between blood cadmium (BCd) and blood lead (BPb) with current depressive symptoms in the US adult population. We conducted cross-sectional analyses of adult participants (≥ 20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 (N = 3,905). Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between BCd and BPb with depressive symptoms; analyses were also stratified on sex and age groups (20-47 years and ≥ 48 years). Presence or absence of depressive symptoms was determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire module. Individuals in the highest quartile of BCd had higher odds of having depressive symptoms (odds ratio = 1.68; 95% confidence limits: 1.12, 2.51). This association was found only in male participants and, more specifically, in younger adult male participants (20-47 years). We found that BPb, cigarette smoking, and obesity were associated with depressive symptoms in younger female adults. In this study, we report associations between BCd and BPb with current depressive symptoms that were modified by age and sex. Reverse causation cannot be ruled out as a possible explanation since depression may lead to behavioral changes that increase exposure to cadmium and lead (ie, tobacco smoke). The continued efforts at reducing cadmium through tobacco smoking cessation programs may decrease the prevalence of current depressive symptoms.

The Prevalence of Current Depressive Symptoms in an Urban Adult Population

Objective We sought to provide prevalence rates of depressive symptoms in the adult population of the city of Leipzig, Germany (18 - 79 years; N = 8,861). Methods Data were derived from the Leipzig population-based study of adults (LIFE-ADULT-Study). The German version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess depressive symptoms using a cut-off score ≥ 23 points. Results The prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 6.4 % (95 %-KI = 5.4 - 7.4). Significantly higher prevalence rates were found in females than in males, in individuals in middle age (40 - 59 years) than in younger and older adults as well as in those individuals with lower socioeconomic status (SES). Conclusion The study findings did not indicate a generally increased risk of depressive symptoms in urban-living adults.

050. How Common is Depression in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Depression is common in inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and negatively impacts on outcomes. Given the long-term nature of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and its glucocorticoid treatment, these patients may be at an increased risk of depression, although few studies exist to date. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, depression in PMR patients. Prevalent PMR patients (with a first diagnostic code for PMR in the last 3 years) were mailed a postal questionnaire (n = 704) examining PMR symptoms, glucocorticoid use and patient reported comorbidities. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), with a score of ≥10 defined as current depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to examine association between demographics, comorbidity and current depressive symptoms. Five hundred fifty (78%) patients responded, of which 365 (66%) were female, with a mean (SD) age of 74.1 years (8.4). The prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 15% (n = 81) and was significantly associated with female gender: OR 1.87 (95%CI 1.08–3.22), current PMR symptoms: OR 2.1 (1.11–3.97), self-reported acid reflux: OR 1.75 (1.05–2.93) and diabetes: OR 2.86 (1.6–5.09). Older patients were less likely to report current depressive symptoms (OR 0.35 (0.13–0.9) for those >80 years versus those aged 50–59 years). Depressive symptoms are common in patients with PMR patients, especially younger patients and those with comorbidities. Clinicians should consider screening these patients for depressive symptoms and managing them appropriately, as untreated depression may negatively impact on health-related outcomes and quality of life.

Asthma and depression: the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study

BackgroundPrior research suggests a possible association between asthma and depression. ObjectiveTo examine the association between asthma and depressive symptoms, controlling for asthma medications, lung function, and overall health. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 12,944 adults who completed physician-based preventive health examinations at the Cooper Clinic from 2000 to 2012. Information on medical histories, including asthma and depression, and medications were collected. Participants reported overall health status, completed spirometry testing, and underwent depression screening using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Dependent variables of current depressive symptoms (CES-D scores ≥10) and lifetime history of depression were separately modeled using logistic regression with independent variables, including demographics, spirometry, asthma controller medications, and patient-reported health status. ResultsThe sample was predominantly white and well educated. The prevalence of asthma was 9.0%. Asthma was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.16-1.70; P < .001) of current depressive symptoms based on CES-D score. Asthma was also associated with lifetime history of depression (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.40-1.95; P < .001). Neither lung function nor asthma controller medications were significantly associated with depression. ConclusionAsthma was associated with increased prevalence of current depressive symptoms and lifetime depression in a large sample of relatively healthy adults. These findings suggest that the increased likelihood of depression among patients with asthma does not appear to be exclusively related to severe or poorly controlled asthma. People with asthma, regardless of severity, may benefit from depression screening in clinical settings.

The Role of Stress, Depression, and Violence on Unintended Pregnancy Among Young Urban Women

Unintended pregnancy (UP) is common, particularly among women exposed to violence, and it is linked to adverse maternal and child outcomes. This study investigated the potential role of current depressive symptoms, social support, and psychosocial stress in moderating the association between violence exposure and UP. Pregnant women, being treated at an urban Emergency Room, completed a self-reported baseline interview where pregnancy intention as well as depression symptoms, perceived stress, past and current violence, and demographic factors were evaluated. Pregnant women were identified among women aged 14-40 years presenting to an urban emergency department. Women reporting sadness or planning to terminate the pregnancy were classified as having an UP. A higher number of women reported an UP if they had at least one episode of childhood sexual assault (CSA) (odds ration [OR]=1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.87), but this association disappeared after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Relative to women reporting an intended pregnancy, women reporting sadness or wanting to abort the pregnancy reported lower social support (mean number of friends 2.5 vs. 3.0, p=0.005), had a higher prevalence of current depressive symptoms (67% vs. 49%, OR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.72-2.66), and had higher mean levels of current perceived stress (6.9 vs. 5.6, p<0.001). At least one episode of CSA and current depressive symptoms was positively associated with the report of sadness or wanting to abort the pregnancy relative to women with no depressive symptoms and no history of CSA. In addition, high level of stress positively moderated the role of CSA and reporting sadness or wanting to abort the pregnancy. Ongoing screening for depressive symptoms and stress among female survivors of CSA may be important in reducing the high rates of unintended pregnancy in urban communities.

Prävalenz von depressiver Symptomatik und diagnostizierter Depression bei Erwachsenen in Deutschland

In the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (DEGS1), current depressive symptoms were assessed with the "Patient Health Questionnaire" (PHQ-9) in a representative population-based sample of 7,988 adults 18-79 years old. In addition, previously diagnosed depression was assessed by physician interview. The prevalence of current depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10 points) is 8.1 % (women: 10.2 %; men: 6.1 %). For both sexes, the prevalence is highest among 18- to 29-year-olds and decreases with age. Persons with higher socioeconomic status (SES) are less likely to have current depressive symptoms. The lifetime prevalence of diagnosed depression is 11.6 % (women: 15.4 %; men: 7.8 %) and is highest among persons 60-69 years old. The 12 month prevalence is 6.0 % (women: 8.1 %; men: 3.8 %) and is highest among 50- to 59-year-olds. In women, but not in men, prevalences decrease with increasing SES. The results describe the distribution of two important aspects of depression among the adult population in Germany and confirm previously observed associations with age, gender and SES. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.

Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is a common illness, with prevalence of current depressive symptoms in the general population of nearly 10% and lifetime diagnosis almost 16%. Yoga offers an attractive option for complementary therapy of depression. The purpose of this study was to examine research regarding the benefits of yoga for depression, to learn to what extent yoga is beneficial as a complementary therapy for this condition. The method used in this study was a systematic qualitative review of interventions obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ERIC databases. A total of 18 studies met the criteria. Some of the designs utilized by the interventions were pretest posttest, quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trials. It was found that majority of the interventions (17) were able to significantly reduce depressive symptoms in the patients under study. However, several methodological limitations were identified in the conduct of the intervention trials, which future interventions must consider.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Malay Women

Background: Due to a dearth of research on depressive symptoms in Malaysia, particularly in Malay women, a community study was conducted to examine the prevalence and factors associated with current depressive symptoms in rural and urban Malay women with low socioeconomic status. Method: Four hundred eighty-seven women (N rural = 242, N urban = 245) were interviewed. Information on socio-demographic variables, potential risk factors (family history of mental health problems, lifetime major depressive symptoms, and current life stressors), and current depressive symptoms (measured by the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D) was collected. Results: The prevalence of current depressive symptoms (CES-D scores ≥ 16) reported was 34.5%, while the prevalence of lifetime major depressive symptoms was 27.5%. A significantly higher rate of current depressive symptoms was observed in urban women compared to rural women, χ2 (1, N = 487) = 3.99, p < .05. However, no significant difference was found in the two groups of women in the prevalence of lifetime major depressive symptoms. The results of the multiple hierarchical regression analysis indicated that three potential factors (family history of mental health problems, lifetime major depressive symptoms, and current life stressors) were positively associated with current depressive symptoms, accounting for 17.8% of the variance, over and above the socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive symptoms reported in the study was comparable to past studies. Among the factors associated with current depressive symptoms, the single most important was lifetime major depressive symptoms, followed by current life stressors, and family history of mental health problems. Among the socio-demographic variables used, perceived health status was the most important. The factors associated with depressive symptoms found in this study are consistent with past findings in the West, implying the universality of the phenomenon and common factors related to depressive symptoms in women.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among United States adults with disabilities using assistive technology

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of current depressive symptoms (CDS) among adults that reported disabilities requiring the use of assistive technology (AT) and those that did not, and to examine the sociodemographic, comorbidity, health behavior, and social support correlates of this condition in adults who use AT. Methods Data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a standardized telephone survey among U.S. adults, were analyzed ( n = 195,033). The Patient Health Questionnaire diagnostic algorithm was used to identify CDS. Results AT users were significantly more likely than AT non-users to have CDS (age-standardized: 30.4% vs. 7.4%). Among AT users, there was a dose–response relationship between depression severity and increased prevalence of health conditions, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity. In the full covariate logistic regression model, the strongest sociodemographic variables associated with CDS among AT users were age and employment status. Other variables strongly associated with CDS were lack of social support and anxiety. Conclusions An integrated approach to health care should be taken with adults who use AT. AT service providers, primary health care providers, and other care givers should be alert to the possibility of depression in AT users; and opportunities to prevent, detect, and treat depression among this population should not be missed.

The Patient Health Questionnaire 8: Current Depressive Symptoms Among U.S. Older Adults, 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

To examine the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of current depressive symptoms among adults aged 65 years and older. Participants were obtained from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a population-based list-assisted random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. A total of 45,534 participants aged 65 years and older were interviewed. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 8. Those with a Patient Health Questionnaire 8 score >or=10 were considered to have current depressive symptoms. Our findings indicated that 95.1% of people >or=65 years old did not report current depressive symptoms and 4.9% reported current depressive symptoms. Younger adults (65-74 years), those with a high school education or less, those with an income of less than $50,000, those with good to fair self-rated health, and those with a disability were more likely to have current depressive symptoms. When stratified by age (65-74, >or=75), there was no difference in the prevalence of current depressive symptoms between the age groups. However, when the authors stratified by age group both adults 65-74 years olds and those >or=75 years old, only people with worse self-rated health and those who reported a disability were more likely to have indicated current depressive symptoms. The continued collection of data on current depressive symptoms from a population-based sample of older adults can be used by policymakers and public health officials to identify local health needs and burdens that can assist in planning, directing, implementing, and monitoring the effectiveness of strategies.

Depression and Anxiety in the United States: Findings From the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

This study examined the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence estimates of depression and anxiety at the state level and examined the odds ratios of depression and anxiety for selected risk behaviors, obesity, and chronic diseases. The 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a random-digit-dialed telephone survey, collected depression and anxiety data from 217,379 participants in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Current depressive symptoms were assessed with the standardized and validated eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and lifetime diagnosis of depression and anxiety was assessed by two additional questions (one question for each diagnosis). The overall prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 8.7% (range by state and territory, 5.3%-13.7%); of a lifetime diagnosis of depression, 15.7% (range, 6.8%-21.3%); and of a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety, 11.3% (range, 5.4%-17.2%). After sociodemographic characteristics, adverse health behaviors, and chronic illnesses were adjusted for, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, smoking, and obesity were all significantly associated with current depressive symptoms, a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety, and a lifetime diagnosis of depression. Physically inactive adults were significantly more likely than those who were physically active to have current depressive symptoms or a lifetime diagnosis of depression, whereas those who drank heavily were significantly more likely than those who did not to have current depressive symptoms or a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety. Depression and anxiety were strongly associated with common chronic medical disorders and adverse health behaviors. Examination of mental health should therefore be an integral component of overall health care.

Depression in college: depressive symptoms and personality factors in Beijing and Hong Kong college freshmen

Objectives The present study investigated the 2-week prevalence of depressive symptoms in college freshmen from Beijing and Hong Kong. The relationship between depression and 3 personality factors in these college freshmen was analyzed. Method Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Neuroticism, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale were administered to 988 Beijing and 802 Hong Kong Chinese college freshmen. Results Approximately 24.8% of freshmen in Beijing had scores on the CES-D exceeding 16, whereas 8.9% reported scores of 25 or higher. There was no sex difference in prevalence in Beijing. Approximately 43.9% of freshmen in Hong Kong had scores on the CES-D exceeding 16, whereas 17.6% reported scores of 25 or higher. The prevalence is significantly different between sexes in Hong Kong, with approximately 36.1% of men having scores of 16 or higher and 13.4% having scores of 25 or higher and approximately 50.7% of women having scores of 16 or higher and 21.3% having scores of 25 or higher. High neuroticism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, low self-esteem, and poor organization were associated with current depressive symptoms in both sites. Conclusion The higher prevalence of current depressive symptoms in college freshmen in Hong Kong suggests that their mental health is not as satisfactory as that of their counterparts in Beijing. The strong relationship between certain personality features and current depressive symptoms is similar in both regions. Personality differences in the 2 sites explain only part, but not all, of the difference in depressive symptoms between the 2 sites.

Survey of Physician Well-Being and Health Behaviors at an Academic Medical Center

Purpose: The study aims were to ascertain, among attending and house staff at a single academic medical center, the prevalence of and risk factors for psychiatric symptoms and disorders and for personal health behaviors.Methods: A self-administered, anonymous 72-item survey of physicians was conducted in February 2003.Results: Response rate was 37.6%. The prevalence of current depressive symptoms was 29%. AUDIT scores consistent with high likelihood of harmful alcohol consumption were prevalent in 6%. Almost 5% acknowledged use of sedatives or hypnotics without a prescription in the prior 12 months. Characteristics independently associated with current depressive symptoms included: living alone, full time salaried faculty status, not having a primary care physician, female sex, and age < 50 years. Factors associated with high risk of harmful alcohol consumption included: male sex, house staff status, and not being exclusively heterosexual.Conclusions: The prevalence of recent depressive symptoms among responding physicians was nearly 30%. Interventions to engage physicians in primary care relationships and social support to confidentially disclose potentially stigmatizing characteristics may facilitate earlier case finding of those at risk for depression, suicide, and substance abuse