Two decades of hospital admissions for adolescents with depression in Spain

Abstract

Background: Depression in children and adolescents is a common mental disorder that impacts both physical health and emotional well-being, often resulting in impaired social functioning and academic performance. Identifying key trends and determinants of depression in young people is essential for early detection and timely intervention.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all hospitalizations for depression among individuals aged 11 to 18 years in Spain, using data from the Spanish National Registry of Hospital Discharges between 2000 and 2021.

Results: Over a 22-year period, 9881 hospitalizations for depression were recorded among adolescents aged 11 to 18-years-old in Spain. Depression-related hospitalizations rose steadily, particularly over the last decade. From 2000 to 2021, the incidence increased by 1217 % (p < 0.001), peaking at 1779 admissions in 2021. Girls accounted for 74.3 % of all depression-related admissions. Depression was significantly associated with in-hospital suicidal behavior (OR 1.51 [1.35-1.69]). The median age at hospitalization was 16 years, though a shift toward younger ages was observed in 2021 (p < 0.001). Older age was the only significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (p = 0.043).

Conclusion: The number of adolescent hospitalizations for depression has increased sharply in Spain. Strengthening early detection in schools and ensuring timely intervention should be prioritized to mitigate the growing burden of youth mental health disorders.

Keywords: Adolescents; COVID-19; Depression; Mental health; Psychiatric disorders.