Research on major depression in China: A perspective from bibliometric analysis
Pan Chen1, Wei Bai1, Xiao-Hong Li2
1Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, & Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|July 30, 2022
Summary
Research on major depressive disorder (MDD) is growing. This study compares English and Chinese publications, finding distinct research focuses and increasing Chinese author influence in English-language MDD research.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Bibliometrics
- Scientific Communication
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant global mental health concern.
- Research output on MDD is increasing, but accessibility is limited by language barriers.
- This study addresses the disparity by analyzing English and Chinese research on MDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a bibliometric analysis of English and Chinese research papers on major depressive disorder originating from China.
- To compare publication trends, key institutions, prolific authors, and research themes between English and Chinese MDD literature.
- To understand the evolving landscape of MDD research and international collaboration.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Web of Science (WoS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from 1990 to 2021.
- Examination of authorship collaboration networks and keyword co-occurrence patterns.
- Quantitative assessment of publication volume, influential journals, institutions, and authors.
Main Results:
- A substantial increase in MDD publications was observed annually in both databases.
- English publications showed high activity in journals like 'Journal of Affective Disorders,' while Chinese publications were prominent in 'Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.'
- Keyword analysis revealed distinct thematic focuses: English papers emphasized study design and clinical aspects, whereas Chinese papers concentrated on somatic comorbidities and antidepressants.
Conclusions:
- The volume of scientific papers on major depressive disorder is steadily increasing.
- Chinese authors writing in English are gaining international influence in MDD research.
- Research productivity and impact are largely concentrated within national and specialized medical universities.
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