Risk factors, prevalence, and treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders in Pakistan: systematic review

Abstract

Objectives To assess the available evidence on the prevalence, aetiology, treatment, and prevention of anxiety and depressive disorders in Pakistan. Design Systematic review of published literature. Studies reviewed 20 studies, of which 17 gave prevalence estimates and 11 discussed risk factors. Main outcome measures Prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders, risk factors, effects of treatment. Results Factors positively associated with anxiety and depressive disorders were female sex, middle age, low level of education, financial difficulty, being a housewife, and relationship problems. Arguments with husbands and relational problems with in-laws were positively associated in 3/11 studies. Those who had close confiding relationships were less likely to have anxiety and depressive disorders. Mean overall prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in the community population was 34% (range 29-66% for women and 10-33% for men). There were no rigorously controlled trials of treatments for these disorders. Conclusions Available evidence suggests a major social cause for anxiety and depressive disorders in Pakistan. This evidence is limited because of methodological problems, so caution must be exercised in generalising this to the whole of the population of Pakistan.

Prevalence and determinants of common perinatal mental disorders in women in low- and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review

“…There have been recent systematic reviews of studies dealing with perinatal mental disorders in women worldwide 59 and in specific regions, including Asia 6 and Africa, 7 but to our knowledge this is the first review of studies about women in low-and lower-middle-income countries.…”

“…The methodological quality of each study was assessed by two authors independently using the Mirza and Jenkins checklist of eight items, 6,7 with an additional item pertaining to whether appropriate informed consent to participate in the study had been obtained. Differences were discussed and consensus reached.…”

A systematic review of reviews on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adult populations

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“…studies 87 Meta‐analysis: yes Further research on: Impact of conflict on mental health Aspects of wealth related to anxiety Cultural aspects (ex. psycho‐stressors) related to anxiety Further studies using consistent anxiety definition and methodologies in 1) developing and emerging countries; 2) populations exposed to conflict Interactions of factors associated with prevalence of anxiety Original studies Limited measurement equivalence across cultures – results should be interpreted with caution Rural study results – should be interpreted with caution Study design differences Review NR 10 Mirza 2004 Search: March 2002 # incl. studies: 20 Meta‐analysis: no Robust evidence (ex.…”

The Effectiveness or Efficacy of Modified Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) in Reducing the Severity of Depression among Patients with Myocardial Infarction

“…It is associated with many chronic (non-communicable) diseases especially those of cardiovascular origin, like myocardial infarction [2] [3]. Depression imparts grave effects on physical, mental, economic, social and personal life, which severely affects the life quality of patients [4] [5] [6].…”