A SURVEY to examine the impact of depression on the lives of Europeans has found that 19 per cent of depression sufferers do not seek medical attention.
Depression is more common among women, who are on average twice as likely to suffer major depression than men, according to the survey.
The survey, conducted by leading psychiatrists in six European countries, covered 80,000 people.
It showed that depression has become a widespread problem in Europe, with 7 per cent of the total number surveyed suffering symptoms of major depression. The researchers warned that the problem was not getting the attention it required.
One in 10 sufferers felt that their symptoms seriously affected their day to day life. Sufferers from major depression took four times as many days off work as colleagues not suffering from depression.
The survey, organised by Depression Patient Research in European Society, also highlighted the fact that while the World Health Organisation has established guidelines for treating depression, there are substantial international variations in treatment.