Global prevalence and burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in 204 countries and territories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary & key facts
Researchers collected 48 population surveys done during 2020 and used them in a model to estimate how the COVID-19 pandemic changed levels of depression and anxiety around the world in 2020. They estimate there were about 53 million extra cases of major depression and about 76 million extra cases of anxiety, increases of roughly 28% and 26% compared with before the pandemic. The increases were larger for women, larger for younger people, and larger in places with more COVID infections and bigger drops in movement. The authors say these results increase the urgency to strengthen mental health services, while noting the numbers are estimates based on available surveys and modeling choices.
- The researchers reviewed 48 population surveys published between January 1, 2020 and January 29, 2021 to compare depression and anxiety levels before and during the pandemic.
- Using those surveys plus data on COVID impact, the team estimated about 53 million additional cases of major depressive disorder globally in 2020. That is an increase of about 28% over pre-pandemic levels.
- They also estimated about 76 million additional cases of anxiety disorders worldwide in 2020, or an increase of about 26%.
- The study found two pandemic-related measures linked to bigger rises in depression and anxiety: higher daily COVID-19 infection rates and bigger reductions in human mobility (less movement and more restrictions).
- Women were affected more than men, and younger people showed larger increases in depression and anxiety than older people in these estimates.
- The researchers translated the increased numbers into years of lost healthy life and estimated roughly 50 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from major depressive disorder and about 45 million DALYs from anxiety disorders in 202
- These results come from a model that used available surveys and pandemic indicators, so the numbers include uncertainty and depend on the quality and location of the underlying studies.
- The authors emphasize that the pandemic likely added substantial mental health need, and they say health systems should consider strengthening prevention and treatment, but the study does not test specific treatments or policies.
Abstract
Queensland Health, National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Topics
COVID-19 and Mental Health Health disparities and outcomes Long-Term Effects of COVID-19Categories
Clinical Psychology Psychology Social SciencesTags
Anxiety Cognition Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Depression (economics) Disease Disease burden Economics Environmental health Global health Infectious disease (medical specialty) Macroeconomics Major depressive disorder Medicine Mental health Nursing Pandemic Pathology Population Psychiatry Public healthConditions & symptoms
Anxiety Depression Anxiety or worry Poor sleep Sadness or low moodReferencing articles
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