DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Among U.S. children and adolescents aged 10 to 19, approximately 11% are estimated to suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers. In the District of Columbia, this translates to an estimated:
  • 7,558 young people suffering from serious mental illness with significant functional impairment.

    (1999, Report of the U.S. Surgeon General & 2008, U.S. Census Estimates)


Among adolescents 12 to 17 years old in the District of Columbia:

  • 7% suffered an episode of major depression
  • 4% experienced illicit drug dependence or abuse
  • 4% experienced alcohol dependence or abuse

    (2006-2007, SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health Promotion)


  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 11 to 21 year-olds. Between 1999 and 2006, 21 of these young people died by suicide. (CDC, WISQARS Database)
  • High school students reported in 2007 that within the last 12-month period:
    • 27% felt sad and hopeless enough over a two-week period to halt usual activity
    • 15% thought seriously about suicide
    • 12% made a plan for suicide
    • 12% attempted suicide
    • 4% made a suicide attempt that required medical attention
      (CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance)


Department of Mental Health Services
64 New York Avenue, NE, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
www.dmh.dc.gov/dmh