ISTAT said Thursday that around 2.8
million people in Italy suffer from depression, 5.4% of the
population over 15, adding that the illness was on the rise
among the elderly.
The percentage of depressed people in Italy is lower than the
EU average of 7.1% for the whole population.
But Italy's depression rate is much higher for over-65s at
11.6%, compared to an EU average of 8.8%.
The national statistics agency said depression affected 9.1%
of women in Italy, compared to 4.8% of men.
It said the jobless were particularly at risk.
ISTAT said 8.9% of unemployed people aged 35 to 64 said they
suffered depression or anxiety, while 10.8% of people who are
not active of the labour market did, compared to 3.5% of those
in work.
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