In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 most depressed countries in the Asia. If you wish to learn about more, head straight to the 20 Most Depressed Countries in Asia.
5. India
Total Depression Cases per Capita: 0.039
India is among the top 5 in the list of the most depressed countries in the Asia. According to WHO, mental health problems in India amount to an estimated 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. The prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression and anxiety in the 2016 National Mental Health Survey, showed a treatment gap of 80.4%. India is also one of the most depressed countries in the world.
4. Iran
Total Depression Cases per Capita: 0.040
In Iran, depression affects around 5% of its population, totaling approximately 4.3 million individuals. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Iran was reported at 23.4% in 2015, surpassing the global average. Iran has integrated mental health treatment into its primary care system since 1989 and increased health expenditure to almost 9% of its GDP from 2013 to 2018 to enhance mental healthcare services. However, only 3% of healthcare spending is allocated to mental health, posing a challenge to effectively treating mental health disorders.
3. Thailand
Total Depression Cases per Capita: 0.040
Thailand stands thirteenth among the top most depressed countries in Asia. The prevalence of mental disorders has increased from 1.3 million in 2015 to 2.3 million in 2021, with anxiety and depression being common issues contributing to a high suicide rate. The Mental Health market in Thailand is projected to grow by 0.42% from 2024 to 2028, reaching US$241.10 million in 2028.
2. Japan
Total Depression Cases per Capita: 0.041
Japan faces high rates of depression and anxiety. In 2017, an estimated 4.193 million people were living with mental health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, particularly affecting women and young people, with depression prevalence doubling to 17.3% in 2020. In 2017, approximately 302,000 people were hospitalized with mental health-related issues in Japan.
1. Russia
Total Depression Cases per Capita: 0.054
In Russia, depression affect a significant portion of the population, making Russia stand among the most depressed countries in the Asia. In 2019, over 3.93 million individuals sought psychiatric services, with around 108 thousand seeking help specifically for depression. The prevalence of depression in Russia is estimated to be around 3.7% to 4.7% of the population. The Mental Health market in Russia is projected to grow by 1.70% between 2024-2028, reaching a market volume of US$930.30 million in 2028.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at the 32 Countries with the Highest Rates of Diabetes and the 20 Side Businesses You Can Start While Working Full-Time.
