WHO Report: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders

Overview

According to the new estimates released by the WHO, the number of people living with depression increased by more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. More than 80% of this disease burden is among people living in low- and middle-income countries.

This booklet provides latest available estimates of the prevalence of depression and other common mental disorders at the global and regional level, together with data concerning the consequences of these disorders in terms of lost health. 

Reliable, up-to-date estimates of the proportion of a general population affected by different diseases or health conditions is a key ingredient of effective health policy, planning and evaluation.

Authors: World Health Organization