Depressive disorder prevalence in the Belgian population 2001-2020

From 2001 to 2020, the prevalence of depressive disorders increased in the Belgian population. In 2020, it was estimated that 16 percent of the Belgian population had a form of depressive disorder. Depression and anxiety were the most common mental health issues in the country. Although the prevalence of such disorders seemed to decrease significantly in 2018, this could be the result of a methodological break. Indeed, two different scales were used to evaluate depressive disorders in respondents. From 2001 to 2013, the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90r) was used, whereas the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was used in 2018 and 2020.

Regional prevalence of depression and antidepressant consumption

  From a regional perspective, Wallonia faced the highest prevalence of depressive disorders, whilst the prevalence was at its lowest in Flanders. In 2018, an estimated 7.6 percent of the Belgian population were taking antidepressants. Similarly, the regional use of antidepressants was higher in Wallonia than in the other regions. However, it is important to state that such medication can be prescribed for other afflictions than depression. Ultimately, the use of antidepressants was on the rise in Belgium.

Impact of the coronavirus on mental health

  Social restrictions due to the coronavirus are bound to have negatively impacted mental health. The high prevalence of depressive disorders is to be considered in the context of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Indeed, the 2020 figure has been calculated early in the year, during the confinement of the Belgian population. Furthermore, as any scale evaluating psychological problems, a margin of error is to be considered. Nonetheless, these numbers give useful insight into the landscape of mental health in Belgium.