Global research trends on depression-related stigma in the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis
Zhamaliyeva L. Batyrova A. Ablakimova N. Veklenko G. Malsova B. Tautanova A. Grjibovski A.M.
2026Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Global Health Action
2026#19Issue 1
Background: 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. Objective: To map and analyze global research on depression stigma, focusing on publication trends, leading contributors, international collaborations, and thematic developments. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.
bibliometric analysis , depression , depressive disorder , mental health , social stigma , stigma
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Department of General Practice, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Department of Propedeutics of Internal Disease, Ospanov Medical University, West Kazakhstan Marat, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Department of Microbiology and Virology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Rectorate, Reaviz Universtiy, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Department of Epidemiology and Modern Vaccination Technologies, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Department of Healthcare Organization and Preventive Medicine, M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk, Russian Federation
Department of Health Policy and Management, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of General Practice
Department of Propedeutics of Internal Disease
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Microbiology and Virology
Rectorate
Department of Epidemiology and Modern Vaccination Technologies
Department of Healthcare Organization and Preventive Medicine
Department of Health Policy and Management
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