Any Mood Disorder Among Adults Statistics

Mood disorders represent a category of mental disorders in which the underlying problem primarily affects a person’s persistent emotional state (their mood). The statistics below, derived from the National Comorbidity Survey – Replication (NCS-R), represent people experiencing major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and/or bipolar disorder.

In 2013 mood disorders represented the fourth largest group of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, after attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autistic disorder, and intellectual disability. The medical criteria listed within the mood disorder listing include criteria for major depressive syndrome, manic syndrome, and bipolar or cyclothymic syndrome; however, as previously explained, current diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, treat depression and bipolar as separate categories.

Approximately 20.9 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year, have a mood disorder.
The median age of onset for mood disorders is 30 years.
Depressive disorders often co-occur with anxiety disorders and substance abuse.