Depression and anxiety are the most common disorders in OECD and EU countries. They have a significant impact on the health and well-being of the population, as well as on the economy as a whole. Are there solutions to combat this problem?
According to the report "Strengthening Mental Health and Prevention," one in five adults in OECD and EU countries suffers from depression to some degree.
Its symptoms often remain unrecognized and untreated, increasing the risk of developing serious illnesses and raising societal costs. Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the Czech Republic report a higher prevalence of moderate or severe depression.
Women are particularly vulnerable to mental illnesses during critical periods, such as pregnancy. The prevalence of postpartum depression is estimated at 16.6% in Central and Eastern Europe; 16.3% in Southern Europe; and 13.8% in Northern Europe, according to the study.
The overall cost of mental health issues was estimated at 4% of GDP in 27 EU countries and the UK in 2015. Medical expenses for treating mental illnesses can be up to 20 times higher, depending on the severity.
According to a German study, the cost of six months of treatment for mental disorders was estimated at €511 for mild symptoms, €2,417 for moderate symptoms, and €10,485 for severe symptoms in 2019.
The cost of treatment, long-distance travel, and prolonged waiting times for doctor appointments are major barriers for people seeking help for mental disorders.
On average, two-thirds of people in need of psychiatric help do not have access to treatment in OECD countries and the 27 EU member states.
Mental Health Initiatives in EU Countries
At the same time, several EU countries have initiatives to ensure access to mental health support that can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by 87%.
By the end of 2023, 14 out of 27 EU member states had mental health services that could be accessed directly, without a referral at the national or regional level.
In the Netherlands, youth assistance centers have been established, such as the @Ease program. Its goal is to train students and frontline professionals to help young people with mental disorders.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, access to psychiatric care has been expanded through partial or full reimbursement for psychotherapy, and networks of mental health specialists have been created in schools, workplaces, and social services.
These measures have led to increased school attendance and reduced absenteeism at work, with reported figures ranging from 50% to 61%. Other examples include screenings for postpartum depression in Poland and online tools for improving mental health in Germany.
