Are the prevalence and burden of mental disorders increasing over time?
Since 1990, mental disorders have risen in the ranking of the leading causes of health loss worldwide – from 12th to 7th place.
Even if the age-standardized prevalence of these pathologies has not increased significantly, we are seeing an even greater impact on the overall health of the population. This reflects a general shift in the global health landscape: as we see fewer deaths from infectious diseases like malaria, more people are now living to an age where they are more likely to be affected by mental disorders.
What impact has COVID-19 had on the prevalence and burden of mental disorders?
Before 2020, anxiety and depressive disorders were already significant causes of health loss worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only added to this burden. There was an extra 53 million cases of depressive disorders And 76 million cases of anxiety disorders due to the pandemic, an increase of 28%.
We estimated a particularly significant increase in mental disorders among women and young people. In 2020, depressive and anxiety disorders were highest in the 20–Age group of 35 yearsand experienced women almost twice as many new cases as there are men.
Global burden of depression and anxiety by age and gender in 2020
Here are some reasons why women have been particularly affected:
- Higher job loss rates mandates and lockdowns, leading to financial insecurity
- Increase in domestic violence during stay-at-home orders
- A greater probability for women to assume additional care responsibilities at home
Although there are many known treatments and preventive interventions for mental disorders, a large number of people around the world still face barriers to accessing these treatments.
