Paper of the Day - Depression 'worse than chronic diseases'

07 Sep 07

People with depression have more impaired health and a poorer quality of life than people with angina, arthritis, asthma and diabetes.

The research, from the World Health Organisation (WHO), underlines the severity of depression as a global public health issue, researchers say.

The WHO survey studied nearly a quarter of a million adults from 60 countries, and measured the health scores for people with each condition, as well as comorbid depression.

Depression produced a greater negative effect on health compared then all four other chronic diseases.

People with depression and another chronic disease have incrementally worse health compared to those with depression, or any of the chronic diseases alone.

The WHO researchers said the results 'indicate the urgency of addressing depression as a public health priority to reduce disease burden and disability, and to improve the overall health of populations.'

The Lancet 2007;370:851-58.