Case study: Depression scorecard

Depression is the most common mental health condition across the world. Global prevalence has risen nearly every year since 1990. It is a distinct, diagnosable mood disorder, which can affect anyone. Yet stigma associated with depression may prevent people from seeking and receiving the care they need. Depression has a devastating impact on the lives of people affected, their loved ones, and societies more broadly. It is also the leading cause of suicide – as many as 15% of people with untreated depression may die by suicide.

Building on a European report that HPP published in 2018, the depression scorecard aimed to better understand depression care in different countries. This assessment framework was developed in consultation with leading experts in depression from across Europe. It was then applied to four countries initially, and validated by local experts. Further phases of work investigating other countries have followed, along with the production of short videos to support dissemination of the scorecards. All scorecard reports are published in both English and the local language.

The depression scorecards have been widely used in the countries where they have been published. The Romanian scorecard was launched at the Romanian Parliament in March 2022. The Belgian and French scorecards were featured at high-profile events. HPP shared the scorecard methodology with a research consultancy in Slovakia, which has used it to develop scorecards for ten countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Our work in this area continues, with further country scorecards currently in development.