The Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase of more than 25 percent in cases of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Queensland’s School of Public Health, found that people living in countries severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic have been most affected, especially women and young people.
The world-first study estimated that 2020 saw an additional 52 million people suffer from major depressive disorder, while an additional 76 million struggles with anxiety.
“Our findings highlight an urgent need to strengthen mental health systems in order to address the growing burden of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders worldwide,” said lead study author Damian Santomauro, quoted by AFP.
The study shows that the hardest-hit countries were affected with the biggest mental health burden, as the research found a strong link between high Covid-19 cases, restrictions on movement, and high rates of depression and anxiety.
“Meeting the added demand for mental health services due to COVID-19 will be challenging, but taking no action should not be an option,’ Santomauro added.
According to the study, had the pandemic not occurred, 193 million cases of depression would have been expected, compared with an observed 246 million cases in 2020.
Similarly, 298 million cases of anxiety were expected without the pandemic, however, 374 million cases were observed globally last year.
Women are disproportionately affected, largely because the pandemic exacerbated already existing health and social inequality.
Young people were also heavily impacted, as school and university closures restricted their ability to learn, interact with peers and gain employment.
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