title: [Depressive disorder burden: global epidemiological issues and information needs in Portugal].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Modern societies at present are heavily burdened by depressive disorders but a further increment of negative impact is predictable in years to come. Though there are effective treatments available these disorders are infrequently recognised and managed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review depressive disorders burden focusing the epidemiological information gap in Portugal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bibliographic search using Medline, the Index of Portuguese Medical Journals and the National Library, as well as other sources, with particular focus for review studies and cross-references.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Burden of depressive disorders is well established worldwide with increasing accuracy allowing for better health planning and treatment access. In Portugal, in spite of the need, scarcity of data and methodological inadequacy are the rule, with no precise prevalence data available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The true dimension of depression burden issues in Portugal will only be globally and scientifically assessed through epidemiological studies in various settings with representative national populations.
authors.affiliation: Clínica Universitária de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mantal, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Lisboa, Lisboa.
authors.forename: Ricardo M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Gusmão
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xavier
authors.forename: Maria João
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Heitor
authors.forename: António
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bento
authors.forename: J M Caldas de
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Almeida
mesh_terms: D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology