6% of Europeans suffer from depression

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The study showed that now as many as 6% of residents suffer from depression Europe, i.e. tens of millions of people. The prevalence of this mental disorder is higher in women than in men.

A study conducted in 27 European countries showed that 6.4% of the continent's population suffers from depression. Earlier, the World Health Organization believed that 4.2% of Europeans have depression at one time. The results of the current study, conducted by scientists from King's College London together with colleagues from France and Spain.

The prevalence of depression was calculated on the basis of an 8-item scale, which objectively assesses the presence and intensity of depressive symptoms. This scale is actively used by specialists to diagnose depression. Based on it, it was established that more than 6% of Europeans with a high degree of probability had a depressive disorder. In women, the prevalence rate was 7.7%, and in men – 4.9%. Such a gender disparity was observed in all countries except Finland and Croatia.

It is interesting that the level of incidence of depression differed significantly between countries. Thus, residents of economically more developed countries suffered from depression four times more often. So, the level of material well-being is not at all a factor that reduces the likelihood of developing depression.