Burden and indirect costs of mental disorders

Abstract

The burden of mental disorders represents huge costs to society and is deleterious to economic growth. Happiness and well-being have been acknowledged as a proxy for economic growth and nation development. In this regard, mental disorders are the leading factor hindering well-being and happiness. International organizations and global policies have been warned of the need to include mental health as a priority in countries' national agendas. For this purpose, mental health and well-being were included in the United Nations Sustainable Goals for 2015-2030. Indirect costs of mental disorders are related to poverty, unemployment, productivity losses, low educational level, social exclusion and inequality, gender inequity, and violence. Depression and anxiety, schizophrenia, and mood disorders are the most burdensome mental disorders. Targeting the reduction of burden and indirect costs of mental disorders involves increasing investments in mental health and the efficiency of community mental healthcare, and also implementing cost-effective interventions. Economic evaluation should take into account broader outcomes and the indirect costs of mental disorders, because the effects of mental interventions also rely on social outcomes.