Global prevalence and burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in 204 countries and territories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Review of 48 studies estimated an additional 53.2 million cases of major depressive disorder and 76.2 million cases of anxiety disorders were recorded in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Females and younger age groups were more affected.
Source:
The Lancet
SPS commentary:
A related commentary discusses this research. It notes the paucity of direct measurements in most countries implies that the findings are unable to inform on specific countries that have been more affected than others. Aid programmes aimed at improving population mental health are clearly needed widely, and this study is unable to suggest specific countries to be targeted first. It concludes the findings of this study should urgently incentivise more research to determine the fuller geographical distribution of depression and anxiety disorders, the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders, and the underpinning mechanisms to improve mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic globally.