The results of a study published in “The Lancet” show that in 2020, the cases of major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders have jumped 28% and 26%, respectively.
Le Monde with AFP
The result in itself is far from being a surprise, but it makes it possible to define and detail the magnitude of the impact of the covid-19 on the morale of the world population. According to a study published Saturday, October 9, in The lancet , the cases of depression and anxiety have increased by more than a quarter in the world in 2020 because of the coronavirus-related pandemic.
The study is the first to assess the global impacts of the pandemic on major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, by age retailer, sex and location in 204 countries and territories during the past year. The results show that in 2020, the cases of major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders increased by 28% and 26% respectively.
“This highlights an urgent need to strengthen health systems”, estimates the main author of the Damien Santomauro study, Queensland Center for Mental Health Research, School of Public Health, Australia.
“Even before the pandemic, the mental health care systems of most countries lacked resources and were disorganized. Responding to this additional demand (…) will be difficult, but it is not possible to do nothing “,” he adds.
The most affected women and young people
Women have been more affected than men, and youngest have been more concerned than older groups.
“The Pandemic of Covid-19 has exacerbated many existing inequalities and the social determinants of mental illness. Unfortunately, for many reasons, women have been more likely to be more affected by the social and economic consequences of This pandemic, “said the co-lancer of the study, Alize Ferrari.
“School closures and larger restrictions limiting young people’s ability to learn and interact with their peers, combined with increased risk of unemployment”, have also contributed to further weigh the younger mental health. she adds.
Logically logically, the results of the study indicate that the hardest-touched countries by the pandemic in 2020 have experienced the highest increases in the prevalence of disorders.
The authors recognize, however, that their study has been limited by a lack of reliable data on the effects of the CVIV-19 pandemic on mental health in many parts of the world, particularly low- and middle-income countries.
