Quantifying the global burden of mental disorders and their economic value

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological and economic estimates suggest that the global burden of mental disorders is considerable, both in its impacts on human health and losses to societal welfare. The availability of additional data and the emergence of new approaches present an opportunity to examine these estimates, which form a critical part in making the investment case for global mental health.

Methods: This study reviews, develops, and incorporates new estimates and methods in quantifying the global burden of mental illness. Using a composite estimation approach that accounts for premature mortality due to mental disorders and additional sources of morbidity and applying a value of a statistical life approach to economic valuation, we determine global and regional estimates of the economic cost that can be associated with mental disorders, building on data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study.

Findings: We estimate that 418 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) could be attributable to mental disorders in 2019 (16% of global DALYs)-a more than three-fold increase compared to conventional estimates. The economic value associated with this burden is estimated at about USD 5 trillion. At a regional level, the losses could account for between 4% of gross domestic product in Eastern sub-Saharan Africa and 8% in High-income North America.

Interpretation: The burden of mental illness in terms of both health and economic losses may be much higher than previously assessed.

Funding: None.

Keywords: Disease burden; Economic burden; Mental health; Premature mortality.

Figure 1

DALYs, YLDs, YLLs, and deaths attributable to mental disorders in 2019, by estimation approach, per 100,000 population. Values are aggregated by GBD region. DALYs: Disability-adjusted life years; YLDs: years lived with disability; YLLs: years of life lost; GBD: Global Burden of Disease.

Figure 2

Economic burden of mental disorders, as a percent of GDP. The economic value is determined by using GDP per capita (USD 2019) as the value of a DALY. Values are aggregated by GBD region. GDP: gross domestic product; USD: United States dollar; DALY: disability-adjusted life year; GBD: Global Burden of Disease.