Iran's Ministry of Health: Over 12% of Adults in Iran Suffer from 'Depression'

The Mental and Social Health Office of Iran's Ministry of Health states that over 12% of adult citizens in Iran suffer from 'depression' and more than 14% experience anxiety disorders. According to this center, the total statistics for psychiatric disorders in the country exceed 23%. Ahmad Hajebi, the director general of the Mental Health Office, stated on April 7 that the 'latest national study' shows that over 23% of citizens are afflicted with some form of mental disorder, with depression being the most common psychiatric disorder in Iran and worldwide. Ali Asadi, the deputy of the same organization, also told ISNA that the specific statistics for depression are approximately 12.6% and for anxiety disorders, 14.5%. Anxiety disorders are part of mental disorders and are accompanied by 'concern about the future' and 'fear of current events'; this disorder can have physical symptoms, such as severe heart palpitations. Mr. Asadi mentioned that these statistics were based on the 'national survey' conducted in 2011 and added that it is unclear whether this figure has changed currently. According to this Iranian official, the national survey is conducted every five years, and the Ministry of Health intends to repeat it in 2017. Mr. Asadi criticized the 'incorrect' perceptions regarding psychiatric and antidepressant medications, emphasizing that although 'the situation for consulting for the treatment of psychiatric disorders has improved compared to the past,' it is still 'generally less than in developed countries.' According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, about 6.7% of citizens aged 18 and older suffer from 'major depressive disorders,' which is the 'main reason' for individual and social disabilities among citizens aged 15 to 44 in the United States. According to the UK Mental Health Foundation, 7.8% of its citizens suffer from a range of anxiety and depression disorders. Based on EU statistics from 2014, 7.1% of the total citizens of 28 countries suffered from depression, with Portugal leading at 11.9%. Almost everywhere, the percentage of those suffering from depression among women is higher than among men; in Iran, the current statistics indicate that the prevalence of this disease in women is over 16% and in men over 10%. The director general of mental and social health at the Ministry of Health stated that 'economic conditions, unemployment, and low income' are considered effective factors in the emergence of depression. Meanwhile, research by the Ministry of Health shows that the prevalence of depression is higher in cities than in rural areas of Iran and that this disease is less prevalent among individuals with higher education compared to those with lower education.