Global Study on Major Depression
Author Information
Author(s): Evelyn Bromet, Laura Helena Andrade, Irving Hwang, Nancy A Sampson, Jordi Alonso, Giovanni de Girolamo, Ron de Graaf, Koen Demyttenaere, Chiyi Hu, Noboru Iwata, Aimee N Karam, Jagdish Kaur, Stanislav Kostyuchenko, Jean-Pierre Lépine, Daphna Levinson, Herbert Matschinger, Maria Elena Medina Mora, Mark Oakley Browne, Jose Posada-Villa, Maria Carmen Viana, David R Williams, Ronald C Kessler
Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Stony Brook
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and demographic correlates of major depressive episodes across different countries?
Conclusion
Major depressive episodes are a significant public health concern worldwide, with varying prevalence rates linked to social conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- The average lifetime prevalence of major depressive episodes was 14.6% in high-income countries.
- The average 12-month prevalence was 5.5% in high-income and 5.9% in low- to middle-income countries.
- Functional impairment was associated with the recency of major depressive episodes.
- The female to male ratio for major depressive episodes was about 2:1.
- Younger age was linked to higher prevalence in high-income countries, while older age was linked in some low- to middle-income countries.
- Being separated or divorced was a strong demographic correlate of major depressive episodes.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people in different countries feel very sad or depressed. It found that many people are affected, and it can depend on things like where they live.
Methodology
Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) across 18 countries.
Potential Biases
Potential survivor bias and recall error may influence the reported prevalence of major depressive episodes.
Limitations
The study did not include institutionalized patients or those unable to participate due to severe conditions, which may affect prevalence estimates.
Participant Demographics
Participants included adults from 18 high-income and low- to middle-income countries, with a female to male ratio of about 2:1.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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