The Burden of Mental Disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990–2013

Abstract

The eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) is witnessing an increase in mental illness. With ongoing unrest, this is expected to rise. This is the first study to quantify the burden of mental disorders in the EMR. We used data from the global burden of disease study (GBD) 2013. DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) allow assessment of both premature mortality (years of life lost–YLLs) and nonfatal outcomes (years lived with disability–YLDs). DALYs are computed by adding YLLs and YLDs for each age-sex-country group. In 2013, mental disorders contributed to 5.6% of total disease burden in EMR (1894 DALYS/100,000 population): 2519 DALYS/100,000 (2590/100,000 males, 2426/100,000 females) in high-income countries, 1884 DALYS/100,000 (1618/100,000 males, 2157/100,000 females) in middle-income countries, 1607 DALYS/100,000 (1500/100,000 males, 1717/100,000 females) in low-income countries. Females had a greater proportion of burden due to mental disorders than did males of equivalent ages, except for those under 15 years. The highest proportion of DALYs occurred in the 25–49 age group. The burden of mental disorders in EMR increased from 1726 DALYs/100,000 in 1990 to 1912 DALYs/100,000 in 2013 (10.8% increase). Depressive disorders accounted for most DALYs, followed by anxiety disorders. Palestine had the largest burden of mental disorders. Nearly all EMR countries had a higher mental disorder burden compared to global level. Our findings call for EMR health ministries to increase provision of mental health services and to address stigma of mental illness. Our results showing the accelerating burden of mental health are alarming as the region is seeing an increased level of instability.

Stress and Coping Status Among the Caregivers of Psychiatrist Patients

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The effectiveness of the WHO school mental health package in promoting mental health literacy among secondary school teachers in Qatar: a randomized controlled trial

“…In addition to decreased life expectancy due to associated medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart diseases and stroke, respiratory conditions, and suicide [3,4] The World Health Organization reported that more than half of mental disorders starts to manifest during adolescence, and globally one in ve adolescents suffers a form of disabling mental disorder, and when they are not taken in consideration, this could result in lifelong adverse consequences, in addition to decrease in compliance with health regimens, and impaired productivity and safety of societies [4]. A systematic review of data from the Eastern Mediterranean Region, showed a raise of more than 10% for the total burden of mental disorders over the past two decades, which outstand the burden in other regions around the globe, including developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa [5]. Additionally, the review revealed a wide range of the 12-month prevalence of mental illnesses and psychological distresses, between 11.0% and 40.1%, and 15.6% and 35.5%, respectively [5].…”

Promoting follow-up attendance among mental health patients at a primary healthcare center in Lebanon: A randomized controlled trial

“…Mental health disorder is one of the most common health conditions, and the largest single source of economic burden globally, with depression constituting the leading cause of the disease burden. 1–3 Over the past years, there have been widespread commitments to enhance the provision of mental health services. 2,4–6 In Lebanon, efforts to integrate mental health into primary healthcare were initiated via the 2015–2020 National Mental Health Strategy developed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).…”

“…1–3 Over the past years, there have been widespread commitments to enhance the provision of mental health services. 2,4–6 In Lebanon, efforts to integrate mental health into primary healthcare were initiated via the 2015–2020 National Mental Health Strategy developed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). One of the main objectives of the strategy is to improve the detection, assessment, and management of depression in primary care settings.…”