Country
Work Package 1
9) Deutschland-Barometer Depression (DBD)
The Deutschland-Barometer Depression (DBD) is an annual, nationally representative population survey in Germany that monitors public knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and social conditions related to depression. It provides valuable insights into trends in mental health awareness and stigma at the population level.
Germany.
Type of Study
It is a cross-sectional survey conducted annually since 2017. Each wave draws a new, nationally representative sample of adults aged 18–69 years, allowing for repeated population-level monitoring over time rather than longitudinal follow-up of individuals.
Data Collection
Data are typically collected through online surveys administered to a representative panel of the general population. Sampling procedures aim to reflect the German population across key sociodemographic characteristics. In earlier waves, data collection was occasionally supplemented with targeted online surveys of individuals with a diagnosed depression to provide additional insight into patient perspectives.
Sample Size
Sample sizes have increased over time to improve statistical power and subgroup analyses:
- 2017 (first wave): 2,000 respondents (aged 18–69)
- 2022 (6th wave): 5,050 respondents
- 2023 (7th wave): 5,196 respondents
- 2024 (8th wave): 5,000 respondents
Sample Size Characteristics
Participants are adult residents of Germany aged 18–69 years. Samples are designed to be nationally representative across major sociodemographic strata, including age, sex, and region, and in some cases education and income. As each wave includes a new sample, there is no individual-level follow-up or cohort tracking over time.
Measurement of Mental Health
The survey focuses on population-level indicators related to depression. It assesses knowledge and awareness of depression, attitudes and stigma, and self-reported experience (e.g. whether respondents are currently or have previously been affected). It also includes selected social and contextual indicators such as loneliness, perceived social support, and access to healthcare services. The instrument is primarily descriptive and does not constitute a clinical diagnostic assessment.
Cohort Profile Available
No. The DBD is not a longitudinal cohort study, and no cohort profile publications are available. Each survey wave represents an independent cross-sectional sample of the population.
Key Publications
Findings are primarily disseminated through annual reports, press releases, and summary briefs produced by the Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe and partners.
Open Access
The dataset is not openly accessible.
Contact For Collaboration and Possible Access
Collaboration inquiries can be directed to the organising institutions:
- Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe (German Depression Foundation)
Email: info@deutsche-depressionshilfe.de
(e.g. Press & Public Relations, Leipzig) - Deutsche Bahn Stiftung (partner organisation)
(e.g. Berlin-based contact persons listed in annual releases)
Access to data or collaboration is typically arranged through direct contact rather than a formal application system.