France leads Europe in depression rates

A comprehensive European health survey has found that France maintained the highest depression rates in Europe, with approximately 11% of its population affected even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The analysis, conducted by the French health and social affairs ministries’ statistical department (DREES), drew from the European Health Interview Survey, which samples around 300,000 participants across the European Union, Norway, Iceland, and Serbia every six years.

The study paid particular attention to two demographic groups: young people aged 15 to 24 and adults over 70, amid growing concerns about deteriorating mental health conditions following the pandemic, especially among younger populations across Europe.

Dr. Jocelyne Caboche, honorary research director at Sorbonne University’s Neuroscience Laboratory (Neuro-SU) within the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), offered insights into France’s distinctively high depression rates. While acknowledging France’s strong healthcare and education systems, she highlighted potential areas for improvement.

“Although we are relatively well served in health and education, we still need to make a big effort in caring for the elderly,” said Dr. Caboche, who was not involved in the study. She suggested that enhanced investment in psychiatric care and therapeutic innovation could help address these challenges.