Would You Rather Be Depressed or Physically Ill?

Worldwide, depression is more disabling than four common chronic medical illnesses.

Depression worldwide is highly prevalent and disabling. Using World Health Organization survey data, these researchers examined health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) associated with depression and four common chronic physical health conditions (asthma, angina, arthritis, and diabetes). They also examined the effects of comorbid depression on chronic physical conditions.

The 245,404 nationally representative and probabilistically selected respondents (aged ≥18) came from 60 countries (26 European, 15 African, 6 American, 4 eastern Mediterranean, 5 Southeast Asian, and 4 western Pacific). Interviews occurred in person — or over the telephone in two countries — and encompassed demographic and socioeconomic factors, health status, and symptoms…

Reviewing Author

Deborah Cowley, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Katz Family Foundation

Deborah Cowley, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Katz Family Foundation

Would You Rather Be Depressed or Physically Ill?

Topics

Reviewing Author