Study highlights worldwide disparities in treatment rates for major
depressive disorder
Meta-analysis suggests need for scaling up treatment for this severe depression in some low and lower-middle income countries

Date:
February 15, 2022
Source:
PLOS
Summary:
A combined analysis of results from 149 earlier studies finds
that treatment rates for major depressive disorder remain low
worldwide, particularly for people living in low and lower-middle
income countries.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A combined analysis of results from 149 earlier studies finds that
treatment rates for major depressive disorder remain low worldwide, particularly for people living in low and lower-middle income
countries. Alize Ferrari of the University of Queensland, Australia,
Modhurima Moitra of the University of Washington, U.S., and colleagues
present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine.


==========================================================================
In recent years, national and global initiatives have made increasing
efforts to address the tremendous burden posed by major depressive
disorder. However, treatment rates remain low. Analyses that combine
results from studies on depression treatment from different regions
can help identify opportunities for improvement. However, many such
analyses do not adequately account for variations in study methods that
make results from different studies difficult to compare.

To provide further clarity, Ferrari and colleagues conducted an updated analysis of 149 studies on treatment for major depressive disorder
conducted in 84 countries between 2000 and 2021. Applying a statistical
method known as Bayesian meta-regression analysis, they combined the
studies to examine treatment rates around the world.

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that treatment rates remain low worldwide, and it highlights disparities in treatment between countries
with different resource levels. In particular, use of mental health
services by people with major depressive disorder is estimated to be
33 percent in high- income countries and just eight percent in low and lower-middle income countries.

Rates of treatment considered to be minimally sufficient for treating
major depressive disorder are lower, estimated at 23 percent for
high-income countries and 3 percent in low and lower-middle income
countries.

The authors note a lack of high-quality data on depression treatment
for low and lower-middle income countries, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa
and South Asia; further research could attempt to address that gap and
thereby improve the accuracy of the treatment rates reported in this
study. Future research could also examine how to best improve treatment
access in different regions.

Overall, the researchers say, their findings could help inform efforts
by governments and policymakers to more effectively address depression treatment worldwide.

Ferrari adds, "Treatment coverage for major depressive disorder
continues to be low globally, with many individuals failing
to receive a level of care consistent with practice guideline
recommendations. This highlights the need to reconsider the
availability of appropriate care and facilitators of treatment
as we respond to the large burden imposed by this disorder."
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========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Modhurima Moitra, Damian Santomauro, Pamela Y. Collins, Theo Vos,
Harvey
Whiteford, Shekhar Saxena, Alize J. Ferrari. The global gap
in treatment coverage for major depressive disorder in 84
countries from 2000-2019: A systematic review and Bayesian
meta-regression analysis. PLOS Medicine, 2022; 19 (2): e1003901
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003901 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220215140756.htm

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