Iași, March 11–14, 2026 – In the context of the 17th National Psychiatry Conference, specialists are drawing attention to a paradox within Romania’s mental health system: official statistics show fewer diagnosed cases than the European average, yet the system’s infrastructure and organization reveal a strong dependence on hospitalization, along with staff shortages and constant pressure on services.

Statistical data show that Romania is in a particular situation: it reports fewer official diagnoses of mental illnesses than the European average, but this does not necessarily reflect better mental health in the population. Instead, it more likely indicates underdiagnosis and underreporting of these conditions.

Fewer diagnosed cases, but not necessarily fewer problems

According to data from the National Institute of Public Health’s Health Statistics Yearbook, 237,016 new cases of mental and behavioral disorders were reported in Romania in 2022 (INSP/DSP data).

In comparison, European analyses show that approximately 1 in 6 Europeans experiences a mental health issue at some point in their lives (OECD and European Commission data).

Specialists explain this difference through several factors:

• social stigma associated with mental illness
• limited access to diagnostic services
• an insufficient number of specialists
• many people’s tendency not to seek medical help

Thus, official statistics reflect only cases that reach the healthcare system, not the full scope of the problem.

Depression: lower figures than in Europe, but likely underestimated

Epidemiological estimates indicate that about 3.5% of Romania’s population suffers from depression (Global Burden of Disease estimates / DSP analyses). The European average is higher, at around 4.5% (OECD data).

This difference is likely explained by the fact that many individuals never receive a diagnosis.

In European health surveys, Romania reports one of the lowest rates of self-declared chronic depression in the European Union—around 1% of the population, compared to over 7% EU average (Eurostat data). This discrepancy suggests possible underdiagnosis of mental health issues.

A system still strongly oriented toward hospitals

While many European countries have developed community-based mental health services, Romania’s system remains largely hospital-centric.

OECD analyses show that Romania has approximately 0.9 psychiatric beds per 1,000 inhabitants, above the European average of around 0.7 beds per 1,000 inhabitants. However, health system monitoring reports indicate that some psychiatric hospitals are already operating at full capacity or even beyond it. This structure reflects a greater reliance on hospital treatment and insufficient development of alternative services.

Fewer psychiatrists than needed

Another major challenge is the shortage of specialists. According to the World Health Organization, Romania has approximately 14.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants (WHO Mental Health Atlas).

The European average is estimated at around 18 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, indicating a significant gap. The shortage is even more pronounced in rural areas and small towns, where access to psychiatric services is limited.

Mental health as a public health issue

At the same time, Romania continues to face important mental health challenges at the population level. The suicide rate is approximately 8.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, according to European statistics (Eurostat/OECD). Although below the EU average, each case highlights the importance of access to prevention and intervention services.

The need for system reform

Data show that Romania’s mental health system requires investment and reorganization to balance the role of hospitals with the development of community-based services.

Specialists emphasize that modernizing psychiatric infrastructure must be accompanied by:

• increasing the number of specialists
• developing community mental health services
• improving access to psychotherapy
• prevention and public education programs

Mental health is a vital component of public health, and investments in this field impact not only patients but society as a whole.

All these issues will be discussed during the 17th National Psychiatry Conference in Iași, held March 11–14. The event brings together specialists from across the country and provides a framework for analyzing current challenges in Romania’s mental health system, as well as identifying solutions to improve patient access to diagnosis, treatment, and community support services.