Objective: depression is a public health problem because it can lead to long-term disability and even suicide. The objective was to characterize the main sociodemographic and health care variables related to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Colombia.

Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study. The information was extracted from the Integrated Social Protection Information System (SISPRO) through the cube of Individual Health Service Provision Records (RIPS) between 2016 and 2018. Data associated with the care of people over 18 years of age with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of major depression (ICD-10 codes: F322, F323, F332, F333) were analyzed.

Results: 53,315 cases were reported, 66% were women and the most frequent age range was between 48 to 57 years. Most of the cases were registered in Antioquia (15,550 cases), Bogotá D.C (6,885 cases) and Valle del Cauca (5,685 cases). In 2018 the number of cases increased by 45% compared to 2016; 69% of the cases were in contributory regime (insurance regime for formal workers and other people with capacity to pay) and 26% in subsidized (regime for unemployed, informal sector workers and the poor). The average number of health care visits related with MDD (consultations, procedures, emergencies, and hospitalizations) per person annually increased from 2 in 2016 (range: 1 to 7) to 4 in 2018 (range: 1 to 13). Hospitalized cases increased from 1,614 in 2016 to 3,718 in 2018. The average days of hospitalization per person annually were 13.6 days in 2016 and 18 days in 2018.

Conclusions: the increasing use of health services in MDD patients, demonstrates the continued economic impact for the health system. Although the National Mental Health Policy promotes the detection and care of mental health disorders, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and encourage the use of those best suited for patients.