Written answers
Wednesday, 15 February 2006
Department of Health and Children
Mental Health Services
9:00 pm
Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 192: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the figures in regard to persons suffering from depression on an age basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5950/06]
Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Information on the number of persons suffering from depression on an age basis is not collected by my Department. It is known however, that depression was the most frequent cause of admissions to Irish psychiatric units and hospitals in 2004 and accounted for 29.5% of all admissions. The age profile of such admissions for persons suffering from depression is as follows:
| Age | Number of admissions due to depressive disorders 2004 | % of total admissions | Total admissions to psychiatric units and hospitals 2004 |
| Under 16 | 3 | 21.4 | 14 |
| 16-19 | 168 | 26.6 | 632 |
| 20-24 | 429 | 22.1 | 1,937 |
| 25-34 | 1,024 | 23.5 | 4,349 |
| 35-44 | 1,417 | 29 | 4,890 |
| 45-54 | 1,326 | 29.9 | 4,438 |
| 55-64 | 1,063 | 34.3 | 3,097 |
| 65-74 | 678 | 37 | 1,833 |
| 75 and Over | 457 | 42.3 | 1,080 |
| Unspecified | 1 | 11.1 | 9 |
| Total | 6,566 | 29.5% | 22,279 |
| Source: Activities of Irish Psychiatric Units and Hospitals 2004 — Health Research Board |
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