Cases of major depressive and anxiety disorder increased more than 25% globally during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO).
In its work, the United Nations health agency also noted that the Covid-19 crisis significantly impeded access to mental health services in many cases, raising concerns about the increase in suicidal behavior.
Based on a large number of studies, the WHO determined that globally there was a 27.6% increase in cases of major depressive disorder in 2020 alone, while it was also found that there was a 25.6% increase of cases of anxiety disorders in the world.
In contrast, the data regarding suicides was mixed and did not show major differences in global rates since the beginning of the pandemic: statistics from some countries show rising suicide rates, but in others they decreased or remained unchanged.
“The information we now have about the impact of COVID-19 on the world’s mental health is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This is a wake-up call to all countries to pay more attention to mental health and do a better job of supporting the mental health of their populations,” he added.
In turn, Dévora Kestel, director of the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, summarized: “While the pandemic has generated interest and concern about mental health, it has also revealed a historic underinvestment in services for its care.”
“Countries must act urgently to ensure that mental health support is available to all,” Kestel said.
Multiple stress factors
One of the main explanations for the increase in these conditions is the unprecedented stress caused by social isolation, with its consequent limitations on people’s ability to work, seek support from loved ones, and participate in their communities.
Loneliness , fear of infection, suffering and death of both self and loved ones, pain after bereavement, and financial worries were also cited as stressors leading to anxiety and depression. Among healthcare workers, burnout has been a major trigger for suicidal thoughts.
The largest increases in depressive and anxiety disorders were recorded in places heavily affected by Covid-19, with high rates of daily infections and decreased mobility.
Young people and women, the most affected
The report, which is based on a comprehensive review of existing evidence, shows that the pandemic has affected the mental health of young people and that they are at a disproportionate risk of suicidal behavior and self-harm.
It also indicates that women have been more affected than men, particularly in the 20-24 age group. And that people with pre-existing physical health conditions such as asthma, cancer and heart disease were more likely to develop symptoms of mental disorders.
The data suggest that people with pre-existing mental disorders do not appear to be disproportionately vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. However, when these individuals become ill, they are more likely to suffer hospitalization, serious illness, and death. People with more serious mental disorders, such as psychosis, and young people with mental disorders are at particular risk.
