Over 500,000 people in Greece suffer from depression

In 2015 over 500,000 people in Greece suffered from depression, claimed Associate Professor of Psychiatry Petros Skapinakis from the University of Ioannina at the 2nd Mental Health Conference carried out in Athens on Thursday.

According to Professor Skapinakis, mental health issues are appearing often among young people and are causing major problems to those who suffer from them. A nationwide study from the University of Ioannina, he added, shows that about 8% of the general population is suffering from mental disorders, with a significant strain on the quality of life and healthcare systems.

However, rather than being treated in a timely fashion, these disorders end up becoming chronic conditions. Major delays in seeking out and starting treatment result in low response rates to medication, more severe symptoms, relapses and need for hospitalization, among others.

By introducing a more efficient healthcare system, with more efficient and effective services based on actual needs, Professor Skapinakis appeared confident that there is still room for improvement in Greece.