Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder, with high severity and recurrence, low level of global functioning and quality of life, being the main cause of disability and burden of disease worldwide, with high direct and indirect expenses. Epidemiological data showed an almost double rate of prevalence for women.

The aim of the study was to evaluate trend of hospital admissions due to depression and differences according to gender in two areas from Eastern Europe: Province of Vojvodina (Serbia) and Dolj County (Romania).

This work presents a retrospective analysis based on the routine health statistics data which were collected from the inpatient health care facilities, including short-term and long-term hospitalization within ten years period (2004-2013).

During this period, in both areas was recorded an increasing number of admissions for depressive disorders, from 1,109 to 1,450 in Vojvodina, and from 1,214 to 2,270 in Dolj. The female/male ratio ranged from 1.5 in 2004 to 1.4 in 2013 in Vojvodina, and 1.7 in 2004, respectively 1.5 in 2013 in Dolj. The hospitalization rate per 100,000 inhabitants increased in both regions, but it is significantly lower in Vojvodina (from 54.8 to 75.8) compared to Dolj (165.3 to 343.7).

The results showed similarity in trends of hospital admissions for depression in both regions. In accordance with the literature data, women are more vulnerable when it comes to depression, however the difference between gender slightly decreases.