Projects per year
Abstract
Mental disorders are increasing in South Asia (SA), but their epidemiological burden is under-researched. We carried out a systematic umbrella review to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders and intentional self-harm in the region. Multiple databases were searched and systematic reviews reporting the prevalence of at least one mental disorder from countries in SA were included. Review data were narratively synthesised; primary studies of common mental disorders (CMDs) among adults were identified from a selected subset of reviews and pooled. We included 124 reviews. The majority (n = 65) reported on mood disorders, followed by anxiety disorders (n = 45). High prevalence of mental disorders and intentional self-harm was found in general adult and vulnerable populations. Two reviews met our pre-defined criteria for identifying primary studies of CMDs. Meta-analysis of 25 primary studies showed a pooled prevalence of 16.0% (95% CI = 11.0–22.0%, I2 = 99.9%) for depression, 12.0% (5.0–21.0%, I2 = 99.9%) for anxiety, and 14.0% (10.0–19.0, I2 = 99.9%) for both among the general adult population; pooled estimates varied by country and assessment tool used. Overall, reviews suggest high prevalence for mental disorders in SA, but evidence is limited on conditions other than CMDs.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e78 |
Pages (from-to) | 1–19 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health |
Volume | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13 Nov 2023 |
Keywords
- mental disorders
- intentional self-harm
- epidemiology
- umbrella review
- South Asia
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Dive into the research topics of 'Prevalence of mental disorders in South Asia: A systematic review of reviews'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Improving Outcomes in Mental and Physical Comorbidity and Developing Research Capacity (IMPACT) in South Asia (joint with University of York)
Boehnke, J. (Investigator)
1/10/18 → 31/03/21
Project: Research