Lyus R, Buamah C, Pollock AM, Cosgrove L, Brhlikova P. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Open. 2023;14(9). doi:10.1177/20542704231197594
Abstract:
.This study aims to critically appraise the quality of the epidemiological studies underpinning the GBD 2017 estimates for MDD with respect to i) the four GBD 2017 inclusion criteria and ii) the population coverage of the studies by country and WHO region. The WHO’s ranking of depression as the single largest contributor to global disability (20) is being used to advocate for scaling up depression treatment, particularly in the global south where resources are limited. However, GBD 2017 estimates are based on incomplete country and population coverage and unclear methodologies. Extrapolation of single study estimates, the inclusion of studies with non-representative populations, and lack of specific data on MDD, undermines the reliability of many country and regional estimates. The critical flaws in the data underpinning the GBD 2017 estimates mean that policymakers should interpret these with caution. Read more …