# Global research trends on depression-related stigma in the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis

## TL;DR

This paper maps global research trends on depression stigma from 2013 to 2025, showing growth in high-income countries but limited contributions from low- and middle-income regions.

## Contribution

The first bibliometric analysis of 25 years of depression stigma research, revealing thematic evolution and collaboration patterns.

## Key findings

- Global research on depression stigma has increased steadily since 2013, led by high-income countries.
- Low- and middle-income countries remain underrepresented despite bearing most of the global disease burden.
- Recent research increasingly focuses on resilience, social support, and the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Abstract

Depression is a leading contributor to the global burden of diseases. Stigma associated with mental illness significantly hinders help-seeking, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. While research on mental health stigma has expanded over the past two decades, a systematic examination of its evolution, particularly in the context of depression, is almost non-existent.

To map and analyze global research on depression stigma, focusing on publication trends, leading contributors, international collaborations, and thematic developments.

We analyzed 947 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Scopus database using bibliometric software in R-studio. Quantitative indicators included annual publication growth, citation analysis, leading countries, institutions, and authors, as well as international collaboration patterns. Additionally, keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses were conducted to explore conceptual developments within the field.

The number of publications steadily increased from 2013 to 2025. The United States, China, the UK, and Canada accounted for the highest research and citation impact, while contributions from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remained limited despite these regions carrying most of the global disease burden. Thematic mapping revealed a strong focus on clinical and psychosocial dimensions, with increasing attention to concepts such as resilience, social support, and the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.

The volume of research on depression stigma has grown, yet significant geographical and conceptual disparities continue to persist. Strengthening collaboration, supporting LMIC research capacity, and integrating stigma reduction into global mental health frameworks are essential to achieving equitable mental health outcomes worldwide.

Main findings: Global research on depression stigma has increased steadily since 2013, with high-income countries leading output and LMICs countries remaining underrepresented.Added knowledge: This is the first bibliometric analysis to map 25 years of research on depression stigma, highlighting thematic evolution and collaboration networks.Global health impact for policy and action: Expanding inclusive and locally relevant research is essential for reducing disparities and informing culturally appropriate strategies to address depression stigma worldwide

Main findings: Global research on depression stigma has increased steadily since 2013, with high-income countries leading output and LMICs countries remaining underrepresented.

Added knowledge: This is the first bibliometric analysis to map 25 years of research on depression stigma, highlighting thematic evolution and collaboration networks.

Global health impact for policy and action: Expanding inclusive and locally relevant research is essential for reducing disparities and informing culturally appropriate strategies to address depression stigma worldwide