Depression trends in Europe: sociodemographic differences

Depression represents a critical concern for public mental health. This study examines time trends in the prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms throughout Europe and investigates socioeconomic differences. Data were derived from the European Social Survey waves of 2006, 2012, 2014, and 2023 (15 countries; N = 106 814). Prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms was assessed using the 8-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Analyses were stratified by age, gender, education, income, occupation, limitation, and European region. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to analyze trends. Findings revealed substantial reductions over time in the prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms among older adults, smaller reductions in middle-aged individuals, and constant trends among the younger population. Considerable variations in depression trends were observed across most sociodemographic subgroups. Particularly beneficial trends were found in Eastern European middle-aged and older adults. Conversely, increasing trends among younger adults were mostly evidenced for Northern Europe, with similar patterns suggested for younger individuals with higher education and income. Additionally, those with limitations maintained an extremely high prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms over time, especially among younger individuals. Thus, while generally favorable trends were observed in older and middle-aged adults, increases in the prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms were found for parts of the younger population in Europe. Differential trends across sociodemographic groups were particularly present in terms of education, limitation, and geographic region. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted public health interventions addressing vulnerable groups. Further analyses are needed to identify intermediary determinants explaining these patterns.