Map showing prevalence of depression in England between 2011 and 2022.
The study revealed that during these 12 years, the North West and North East of England experienced very significant ‘hot-spots’ of both depression and deprivation. In the North West these clusters accounted for around 17 percent of the geographical area of the region and in the North East, 10 percent.
The North West had the largest percentage in England of areas with a high rate of increase in depression prevalence, at 43 percent. This indicates that mental health inequalities are widening rapidly here. In the North East, mental health inequalities are also widening at a higher rate compared to other regions in the country. Here, one in three people reside in areas marked by persistently high depression rates, which stands as the highest proportion among all regions nationwide.
By contrast, London had the lowest percentage of hotspots for depression and deprivation, with only 0.38 percent of its overall area falling into this category. The city also had a very low percentage (0.005 percent) of its population living in these areas.
These low levels are echoed across much of the South East of England, leading the researchers to suggest there is a North / South divide in mental health outcomes, with areas around Newcastle, Preston, Liverpool, Manchester and Leicester all showing high levels of both depression and deprivation. Towns and cities in the South show much lower rates, although hotspots still occur in areas of the South West, near Bristol, Plymouth, the Dorset coast and the east of Kent.
Dr Tsimpida comments: “The relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and depression is complex and varies across different regions, suggesting that traditional randomised controlled trials (RCTs) may not fully capture these spatial influences. To better understand depression, future mental health research should consider contextual factors beyond individual characteristics.”
The study authors say their results show a need for region-specific strategies to effectively target areas with the highest need, particularly in the North West and North East. By identifying hotspots, policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, focusing on prevention and intervention strategies that address the root causes of mental health inequalities.
Co-author, Rhiannon Corcoran, Professor of Psychology and Public Mental health at the University of Liverpool, adds: “Our study suggests that treating depression may involve addressing not only individual issues but also the characteristics of the neighbourhood in which a person lives. This new level of understanding, focusing on geographical context, can guide evidence-based public mental health interventions. By identifying and monitoring high-priority areas with the greatest need, resources can be more effectively allocated for targeted support.”