Dataset Resources

The NIH’s AllOfUs research hub is a large, diverse dataset compiling data on a range of many different health-related topics from many different sources. All U.S. citizens and their healthcare providers are invited to upload data to the AllofUs research hub. Currently, over 300,000 participants are enrolled, with a future goal of one million participants. Data are not considered nationally representative.

Study design: Convenience sampling
Data collection: Online surveys; genomic sequencing; Electronic Health Record (EHR) extraction; Fitbit data; physical measurements
Measures of depression: Has a doctor or health care provider ever told you that you have or had any of the following mental health and substance use conditions: Depression? In general, how would you rate your mental health, including your mood and your ability to think? In the past 7 days, how often have you been bothered by emotional problems such as feeling anxious, depressed or irritable?
Other measures: Demographics; general health; lifestyle; chronic health conditions; family health history; healthcare access & utilization; genomic variants; physical measurements; Fitbit readings; Insurance billing & doctor’s visits; medication use; Lab testing; Surgical history
Notable publications using this data: Publications will continue to be added as they become available.

Notes: University of Michigan has a current data use agreement to access AllofUs data, though separate registration is required, including a 1-hour mandatory training and agreement with a Code of Conduct. Contact our team if you are interested in using this dataset, and we can assist you with access.

The Americans’ Changing Lives Study is a national study that measures how neighborhoods’, work and social connections affect health through adulthood. Data have been collected in 1986, 1989, 1994, 2001, 2011, 2019 and 2021. Biometric, blood and DNA samples were collected beginning in 2019. Sample sizes for each wave vary from 1,427-3,617 participants.
Study design: Longitudinal cohort design
Data collection methods: In-person interviews; Phone interviews
Measures of depression: CESD-R 11-item scale; CIDI
Other measures: Happiness; Outlook on life; Neighborhood characteristics; Work status & conditions; Disruptive/transformative events; Social connection, support & conflict; Discrimination & harrassment; Stress; Alcohol & tobacco use; Health & mobility limitations; Hypertension; Diabetes; Asthma; Emphysema; COPD; Cardiovascular health; Stroke; Cancer; Arthritis; General health & mobility; Physical activity; Nutrition; Sleep; Insurance status; Healthcare utilization
Notable publications using this data:

• P.L. Lee et al: Physical Activity Related to Depression and Predicted Mortality Risk: Results from the Americans’ Changing Lives Study

• K. Lincoln and D. Takeuchi: Variation in the Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms: Results from the Americans' Changing Lives Study
• P.K. Maciejewski: Self-efficacy as a mediator between stressful life events and depressive symptoms

The Collaborative Studies of Psychiatric Epidemiology includes the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS-R), a nationally representative, general population survey that measures the prevalence, risk factors and consequences of psychiatric disorders. Data were collected between 2001-2003 and included a sample of 9,282 adults. Additional details of the NCS are available here. The National Survey of American Life (NSAL) includes nationally representative participation of Black or African-American respondents. Data were collected between 2001-2003 and include a sample of 6,082 adults. The National Latino and Asian American Study (NSAAL) includes a nationally representative sample of Asian-Americans and Latinx respondents living in the U.S. Data were collected between 2002-2003 and include a sample of 4,649 adults.
Study design: Cross-sectional, nationally-representative household survey
Data collection method: Phone interviews
Measures of depression: World Mental Health (WMH) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)
Other measures: Anxiety disorders; Impulse control disorders; Substance use disorders; Race/ethnicity; Prescription medication use
Notable publications using this data:

• M. Alegria et al: Considering context, place and culture: the National Latino and Asian American Study
• R. Kessler et al: Prevalence, Severity, and Comorbidity of 12-Month DSM-IV Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication
• R. Kessler et al: The Epidemiology of Major Depressive Disorder: Results From the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R)
• M.K. Nock et al: Mental disorders, comorbidity and suicidal behavior: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication
• D.R. Williams et al: Prevalence and Distribution of Major Depressive Disorder in African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites: Results From the National Survey of American Life

The Health and Retirement Study is a longitudinal panel study of Americans over age 50 that seeks to describe the experiences of America’s aging population, including healthcare, income, assets, employment and other needs. Approximately 20,000 participants are interviewed every two years, dating back to 1992. Biomarker data has been collected since 2012.
Study design: Nationally representative, longitudinal cohort design
Data collection methods: In-person interviewing; biomarker data
Measures of depression: CES-D scale (8-item scale); Past-year history of MD from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. Also: Self-report physician diagnosis of emotional or mental health problems; Treatment of depression
Other measures: Vision; Hearing; Hypertension; Diabetes; Cancer; Lung problems; Cardiovascular programs; Stroke; Arthritis; Memory; Alzheimer’s & dementia; Diabetes; Sleep; Oral health; Alcohol & tobacco use; Psychiatric issues; Anxiety; Physical activity; Cognition; Healthcare utilization; Healthcare expenditures; Functional limitations; Family structure & relationships; Housing; Assets & debt; Income; Employment; Social Security & Disability; Relationship history; Internet use; Social relationships; Hobbies; Life satisfaction; Height; Weight; Walking speed; Balance; Blood pressure; Hearing; Hand strength; Saliva sample
Notable publications using this data:

• J. Airaksinen et al: Connectivity of depression symptoms before and after diagnosis of a chronic disease: A network analysis in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study

• M. Lohman et al: Sex Differences in the Construct Overlap of Frailty and Depression: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study
• A.N. Niles et al: Gender differences in longitudinal relationships between depression and anxiety symptoms and inflammation in the health and retirement study
• K. Oi: Inter-connected trends in cognitive aging and depression: Evidence from the health and retirement study
• P.G. Lee et al: The Co-Occurrence of Chronic Diseases and Geriatric Syndromes: The Health and Retirement Study

The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) is a family of surveys that provides estimates of household and individual-level estimates of healthcare expenditures, utilization, health status and insurance coverage. Data are available for each year dating back to 1996. Sample sizes vary each year from 8,655 households (21,571 individuals) to 14,828 households (37,418 individuals).

Study design: Nationally representative household survey; Longitudinal panel study in which a new panel is selected annually and data for each panel are collected in five rounds over two years
Data collection methods: In-person interviewing; Electronic health record extraction
Measures of depression: PHQ-2; ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes
Other measures: Healthcare access; Preventive health; Exercise; Alcohol & tobacco use; Finances & assets; Chronic conditions; Days missed from work; Dental care; Employment status; Healthcare utilization; Oral health; Limitations on daily living; Vision & hearing; Insurance status; Income; Managed & home health care; Medication use; Diabetes; Asthma; Hypertension; Heart disease; Heart attack; Stroke; Emphysema; Joint pain; Arthritis; Pregnancy; Healthcare satisfaction
Notable publications using this data:

• L.E. Egede et al: Trends in Costs of Depression in Adults with Diabetes in the United States: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2004–2011

• J. Kim: Depression as a psychosocial consequence of occupational injury in the US working population: findings from the medical expenditure panel survey
• M. Olufson et al: Trends in Serious Psychological Distress and Outpatient Mental Health Care of US Adults
• M. Olufson et al: Trends in Mental Health Care among Children and Adolescents
• J.A. Mitchell et al: Identifying disparities in patient-centered care experiences between non-Latino white and black men: results from the 2008-2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

The MIDUS study is a research effort designed to understand the biomedical, psychological and social factors that contribute to overall health and well-being during middle adulthood (ages 25-74). Initial data collection (MIDUS 1) was completed from 1995-1996 (n=7,108), which included a national probability sample (n=3,487), an oversampling from 5 metropolitan areas (n=757), a sample of siblings (n=950) of the main respondents, and a national sample of twin pairs (n=1,914). A longitudinal follow-up of MIDUS 1 participants was completed between 2004-2006 (called MIDUS 2) which repeated baseline assessments and included an additional in-depth interview with African-American participants living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Functional and structural MRI data are included.
Study design: Nationally representative longitudinal design
Data collection method: Phone interviews
Measures of depression: CES-D scale
Other measures: Employment status; Alcohol/tobacco use; Sleep quality; Cardiovascular health; Cancer; Arthritis; Personality traits; Anxiety; Assets & finances; Asthma; Activity level; Religious attitudes; BMI; Family medical history; Neighborhood attributes; Chronic pain; Chronic medical conditions; Contact with friends/neighbors; Discrimination; Life satisfaction; Social support; Disruptive life events; Hypertension; Stroke; Appetite/nutrition; Healthcare utilization; Outlook on life; Prescription medication use; Stress
Notable publications using this data:

• D. Chirinos et al: Depressive symptom profiles, cardio-metabolic risk and inflammation: Results from the MIDUS study

• R. Kessler et al: Age and Depression in the MIDUS Survey
• J. Rottenberg et al: Optimal Well-being After Major Depression
• J.O. Allen et al: Cortisol and Racial Health Disparities Affecting Black Men in Later Life: Evidence From MIDUS II

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) assesses the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the U.S. Approximately 5,000 respondents participate annually and data are available dating back to 1999. Surveys include In-person interview and physical examinations. Interviews include demographic, socioeconomic, dietary, and health-related questions. The examination component consists of medical, dental, and physiological measurements, as well as lab testing.

Study design: Cross-sectional, nationally representative design
Data collection method: In-person interview; physical examination; biomarker data
Measures of depression: PHQ-9 9-item scale
Other measures: Allergies; Air quality; Balance; Blood pressure; Cardiovascular disease; Cognitive functioning; Dermatology; Diabetes; Dieting; Nutrition; Dietary supplements; Disability status; Functioning; Insurance status; Hearing and vision; Hepatitis; Healthcare utilization & access; Immunization; Arthritis; Kidney conditions’ Chronic pain; Work status; Oral health; Osteoporosis; Physical activity; Respiratory health; Sleep; Smoking; Social support; Taste and small; Tuberculosis; Weight; Consumer behavior; Food security; Housing; Pesticide use; Salt use; Anxiety; Conduct disorders; Eating disorders; Elimination disorders; Panic disorder; Prostate conditions; Sexual and reproductive health; Physician exam; Urine and blood testing

Notable publications using this data:

• C. Cao et al: Prevalence, correlates and misperception of depression symptoms in the United States, NHANES 2015–2018

• A.K. Ferketich et al: Depression as an Antecedent to Heart Disease Among Women and Men in the NHANES I Study
• D. Qato et al: Prevalence of Prescription Medications with Depression as a Potential Adverse Effect Among Adults in the United States
• J.K. Vallance et al: Associations of objectively-assessed physical activity and sedentary time with depression: NHANES (2005–2006)

The National Health Interview Survey is a cross-sectional household interview survey, conducted annually since 1957. Its aim is to monitor trends in illness and disease on a broad range of health topics. Approximately 35,000 households and 87,500 individuals are interviewed each year.
Study design: Cross-sectional nationally-representative household survey
Data collection method: In-person interviewing
Measures of depression: PHQ-8; CIDI-SF
Other measures: Anxiety, General mental well-being; Fatigue; Alcohol & tobacco use, Life satisfaction; Prescription use; General health status; Hypertension; Cholesterol; Cardiovascular health; Asthma; Cancer; Diabetes; Chronic conditions; Immunosuppression; Epilepsy; Vision; Hearing; Mobility; Cognition; Oral health; Hygiene; Social relationships; Insurance status; Healthcare access & utilization; Physical activity; Sleep; Nutrition
Notable publications using this data:

• M.M. Benjamin et al: Depression and anxiety in patients with heart disease and/or cancer based on the National Health Interview Survey

• J.C. Probst et al: Rural-Urban Differences in Depression Prevalence: Implications for Family Medicine
• T.W. Stine et al: Psychological Distress, Comorbidities, and Health Behaviors among U.S. Adults with Seizures: Results from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey
• D.C. Watkins and N.C. Johnson: Age and Gender Differences in Psychological Distress among African Americans and Whites: Findings from the 2016 National Health Interview Survey

The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97) is a longitudinal study that follows the lives of a nationally representative sample of nearly 9,000 people living in the U.S. who were born between 1980-1984, and were between the ages of 12-17 at the time of the first interview in 1997. Cohorts were interviewed annually between until 2011, and have since been interviewed every other year. Interviews assess a range of topics including labor market experiences, health, education, income, relationship history, attitudes, among others.

Study design: Nationally representative, longitudinal design; In-person and telephone interviewing
Measures of depression: CESD-R 7-item scale; MHI 5-item scale; CES-D (round 19 and beyond)
Other measures: Educational status; Test scores; Employment status; Wages; Work satisfaction; Family composition & background; Marital status; Parenting status; Childcare arrangements; Income; Assets & debts; General health; Height & weight; Health insurance status; Vision; Hearing; Diabetes; Asthma; Heart condition; Epilepsy; Cancer; Eating disorders; Health service utilization; Significant stressors; Chronic pain; Workplace injuries; Health knowledge; Religious attitudes; Political participation; Community participation; Computer & internet use

Notable publications using this data:

• J.W. Lee et al: Bayesian multivariate latent class profile analysis: Exploring the developmental progression of youth depression and substance use

• J. Prause and D. Dooley: Favourable Employment Status Change and Psychological Depression: A Two-year Follow-up Analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth
• I.A. Silver et al: Illegal Drug Use, Depressive Symptoms, and General Health: Exploring Co-occurrence across 11 Years in a National Sample
• A. Wise et al: The Best of Intentions: A Structural Analysis of the Association between Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Unintended Pregnancy in a Sample of Mothers from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1979)

The Mood Outcomes Program is an initiative of the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC), which collects and monitors the mental health of patients at academic medical centers part of the NNDC. All patients over age 13 who are seen at NNDC participating clinical sites for treatment related to mood disorders are invited to participate. The database currently contains information from over 37,000 patients.

Study design: Convenience sampling
Data collection methods: Online survey; Electronic health record extraction
Measures of depression: PHQ-9; C-SSRS
Other measures: GAD-7
Notable publications using this data:

• J.G. Fiedorowicz et al: Moderators of the association between depressive, manic, and mixed mood symptoms and suicidal ideation and behavior: An analysis of the National Network of Depression Centers Mood Outcomes Program

• J.E. Persons et al: Symptoms of mania and anxiety do not contribute to suicidal ideation or behavior in the presence of bipolar depression
• P. Zandi et al: Development of the National Network of Depression Centers Mood Outcomes Program: A Multisite Platform for Measurement-Based Care

Notes: This dataset requires request and approval from the National Network of Depression Centers, as well as IRB approval. Our team can help facilitate data access.

The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) seeks to understand the well-being of older Americans by examining relationships between physical health and illness, medication use, cognitive function, emotional health, sensory function, health behaviors, social connectedness, sexuality, and relationship quality. Data were collected in 2005-2006 (n=3,005), 2010-2011 (n=3,377), 2015-2016 (n=4,777). A fourth wave of data is currently being collected.
Study design: Longitudinal, probability-based cohort design
Data collection methods: In-person interviews; phone interviews, paper-and-pencil surveys; biomarker data collection
Measures of depression: CESD-R 11-item scale
Other measures: Anxiety; Stress; Happiness; Life satisfaction; Self-reported health; Sensory function; Surgical history; Healthcare utilization; Fertility; menopause and STD’s; Functional health; Health-related behaviors; Social support; Familial relationships; Marital history; Height, Weight, Body measurements, Vital signs, Mobility, Memory
Notable publications using this data:

• H. Litwin: Physical activity, social network type, and depressive symptoms in late life: An analysis of data from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project

• Z.I. Santini et al: Social disconnectedness, perceived isolation, and symptoms of depression and anxiety among older Americans (NSHAP): a longitudinal mediation analysis
• H. Son et al: The Moderating Effect of Social Support between Loneliness and Depression: Differences between the Young-Old and the Old-Old
• DM Qato et al: Changes in Prescription and Over-the-counter Medication and Dietary Supplement Use Among Older Adults in the United States, 2005 vs 2011

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is an annual survey that assesses drug and alcohol use, mental health and other health concerns. It has been conducted every 2-3 years between 1971-1990, and annually since 1990. Approximately 70,000 US citizens over age 12 participate each year.
Study design: Cross-sectional nationally representative design
Data collection methods: In-person interviewing
Measures of depression: Kessler-6 scale; WHODAS scale; Past year suicidal ideation; Past year major depressive episode
Other measures: Drug use (Tobacco, Alcohol, Marijuana, Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Methamphetamine, Pain Relievers, Tranquilizers, Stimulants, Sedatives, Other Drugs); Anxiety; Impact of mental health on daily activities; General Health (Pregnancy, Height/Weight, Hospital Usage, Diabetes, Respiratory Disease, Liver Disease, Hepatitis, Kidney disease, Asthma, HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Hypertension); Social Environment (Illegal Activities; Religious Affiliation); Parenting Views/Experiences; Alcohol Consumption; Emerging Health Issues (Recovery from alcohol; drug use or mental health issues)
Notable publications using this data:

• G. Carra et al: Untreated depression and non-medical use of prescription pain relievers: findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2008-2014
• M.J. Edlund: Opioid abuse and depression in adolescents: Results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
• R. Mojtabi et al: Comparing barriers to mental health treatment and substance use disorder treatment among individuals with comorbid major depression and substance use disorders

• G. Carra et al: Untreated depression and non-medical use of prescription pain relievers: findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2008-2014
• M.J. Edlund: Opioid abuse and depression in adolescents: Results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
• R. Mojtabi et al: Comparing barriers to mental health treatment and substance use disorder treatment among individuals with comorbid major depression and substance use disorders

The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) collects information about violent deaths (defined as intentional use of physical force or power against oneself or another person) from death certificates, medical examiner reports, law enforcement reports and toxicology reports into an anonymous database to provide valuable context around how and why violent deaths, including suicides, occur.

Study design: Surveillance data; convenience sampling

Measures of depression: Current depressed mood; Current mental health treatment; History of mental health treatment; History of suicidal ideation; History of self-injury/self-harm; Recent disclosure of suicidal ideation or intention; Presence of suicide note
Data collection: Surveillance data collection from public records
Other measures: Recent criminal legal problem; Recent non-criminal legal problem; Physical health probleml Job problem; Financial problem; School problem; Eviction or less of housing; Suicide of family member or friend; Diagnosed mental health problem; History of mental health problem; Alcohol or substance use disorder; Other addiction; Relationship problem; History of abuse/neglect; perpetrator of interpersonal violence; Victim of interpersonal violence; Physical altercation; Argument or conflict; Crime in progress; Recent crisis

Notable publications using this data:

• K.J. Gold et al: Mental health, substance use and intimate partner problems among pregnant and postpartum suicide victims in the National Violent Death Reporting System

• E. Petrosky et al: Chronic Pain Among Suicide Decedents, 2003 to 2014: Findings From the National Violent Death Reporting System
• T.J. Shumette and S.T. Wilkinson: Suicide in Older Adults With and Without Known Mental Illness: Results From the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2003–2016
• K.J. Gold et al: Physician Suicide in the United States:Updated Estimates from the National Violent Death Reporting System

• D.J. Smith et al: Prevalence and Characteristics of Probable Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder within UK Biobank: Cross-Sectional Study of 172,751 Participants
• D.M. Howard et al: Genetic stratification of depression in UK Biobank
• Y. Milaneschi: Association of inflammation with depression and anxiety: evidence for symptom-specificity and potential causality from UK Biobank and NESDA cohorts
• B.I. Nicholl et al: Chronic multisite pain in major depression and bipolar disorder: cross-sectional study of 149,611 participants in UK Biobank

Notes: Access to the UK Biobank dataset requires additional registration. Contact our team if you are interested in using this dataset, and we can assist you with access.

The World Health Survey (WHS) was launched globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen capacity for monitoring health system capacity and critical health trends. Data were collected between 2002-2004 from 69 countries and includes over 300,000 participants (approximately 5,000 participants per participating country).

Study design: Probability-based, nationally representative (for each individual country) household data
Data collection methods: In-person interviewing
Measures of depression: Diagnosis of depression; Treatment of depression; Medication use for depression; General feelings of sadness, emptiness or depression; Feelings of depression lasting for more than two weeks; Feelings of depression lasting most of the day, nearly everyday
Other measures: Self-rated general health; Mobility, Pain & Discomfort, Cognition, Vision, Sleep, Affect & mood; Alcohol & tobacco use; Nutrition; Physical activity; Environmental risk factors; Family mortality; Arthritis; Asthma; Schizophrenia, psychosis, paranoia & hallucinations; Diabetes; Tuberculosis; Medication use; Reproductive health; Vision; Oral health; Health system utilization

Notable publications using this data:

• C. Apfelbacher: Depression and inflammatory arthritis are associated in both Western and Non-Western countries: Findings from the World Health Survey 2002

• R. Kessler et al: Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of mental disorders in the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey Initiative
• S. Moussavi: Depression, chronic diseases, and decrements in health: results from the World Health Surveys