Sex Difference in Global Burden of Major Depressive Disorder: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Objectives: Globally, major depressive disorder (MDD) is considered to be a leading cause of disability. In this article, we aim to investigate the sex difference in global burden of MDD by year, age, and socioeconomic development, utilizing disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Methods: Global and national sex-specific DALY estimates caused by MDD from 1990 to 2019 and in different age groups were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. Human development index (HDI) was used as an indicator of national socioeconomic development. Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between national socioeconomic development and sex difference in MDD burden. Results: < 0.001). Conclusion: Although some improvement in sex difference in global burden of MDD has been achieved, it still persists in the past three decades, with females bearing more burden than males. To reduce sex difference in global MDD burden, more attention should be paid to young people and people in developed countries. The findings highlight the importance of making sex-specific health policy to manage mental impairment caused by MDD.