Prevalence and Correlates of Chronic Depression in the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and correlates of chronic depression in comparison with nonchronic depression using a population-representative national database. METHODS: Our study used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS 1.2) to determine the lifetime prevalence and correlates of major depression with chronic symptoms in the population. The CCHS 1.2 is a large, cross-sectional mental health survey conducted by Statistics Canada (n = 36 984, aged 15 years and older). RESULTS: The observed lifetime prevalence of major depression with chronic symptoms was 2.7%, representing 26.8% of all people with major depressive disorder (MDD). In comparison to nonchronic major depression, chronic depression was associated with more frequent psychiatric and medical comorbidity, greater disability, increased health service use, and higher likelihood of suicidal ideation and attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Major depression with chronic symptoms is common in the general population, and is associated with more severe health consequences than nonchronic depression. These observations indicate that chronic major depression is a very important subtype of MDD from a public health perspective.