The Burden of Mood Disorders

摘要

The overall burden of mood disorders-individual, societal, and economic-has been increasing in recent decades. This is certainly the case for depression (see the special section beginning on page 67 of this issue). In Europe, the burden is greater than 10 years ago despite the availability of reasonably effective pharmacological and psychological interventions. Yet the prevalence of mood disorders has remained steady at approximately 10% of the population. What explains the increased cost and societal burden of depression and bipolar disorders, and what can be done to improve the situation?