Trends in Depressive Episodes and Substance Use Disorders Related Mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020

Abstract Recognizing the relationship between depression and substance use disorders, identifying the contributing factors, introducing interventions and awareness to address the disparities. Data extracted from death certificates via the CDC WONDER (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) database were examined from 1999 to 2020 for depressive episodes and SUD related mortality in people of all ages. Between 1999 and 2020 a total of 45934 depression and SUD related deaths occurred in all age groups. The AAMR continuously increased from 1999 to 2020. Throughout the years, males had consistently higher AAMRs than females. AAMR was highest in people with 85 + years of age. Geographical variations were also observed with the Midwestern region having the highest AAMR while northeastern had lowest. Among different states, Wyoming had the highest AAMR and Alabama had lowest. Non-metropolitan areas had higher AAMR than metropolitan areas. Whites had the highest AAMRs. There was a continuous incline in depression and SUD related mortality in all age groups in the United States from 1999 to 2020. Highest AAMRs were observed in Non-Hispanic (NH) White, males, 85 + years of age, Wyoming, the Midwestern region and in the non- metropolitan areas of United States.