Mental disorders are increasing in South Asia (SA), but their epidemiological burden is under-researched. We carried out a systematic umbrella review to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders and intentional self-harm in the region. Multiple databases were searched and systematic reviews reporting the prevalence of at least one mental disorder from countries in SA were included. Review data were narratively synthesised; primary studies of common mental disorders (CMDs) among adults were identified from a selected subset of reviews and pooled. We included 124 reviews. The majority (n = 65) reported on mood disorders, followed by anxiety disorders (n = 45). High prevalence of mental disorders and intentional self-harm was found in general adult and vulnerable populations. Two reviews met our pre-defined criteria for identifying primary studies of CMDs. Meta-analysis of 25 primary studies showed a pooled prevalence of 16.0% (95% CI = 11.0–22.0%, I2 = 99.9%) for depression, 12.0% (5.0–21.0%, I2 = 99.9%) for anxiety, and 14.0% (10.0–19.0, I2 = 99.9%) for both among the general adult population; pooled estimates varied by country and assessment tool used. Overall, reviews suggest high prevalence for mental disorders in SA, but evidence is limited on conditions other than CMDs.
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- 15 March 2023, e22
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Responding to the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and well-being of health workers in LMICs
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- 23 June 2023, e41
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- 25 June 2021, e25
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- 21 November 2023, e1
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- 05 April 2023, e21
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- 26 August 2022, pp. 448-459
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- 11 February 2022, pp. 38-44
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- 29 April 2024, e57
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- 30 April 2024, e60
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- 19 January 2024, e13
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- 16 May 2023, e28
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An online global survey and follow-up expert groups on the scope and needs related to training, research, and mentorship among early-career addiction medicine professionals
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- 17 July 2023, e44
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Quality of life of mothers of children and adolescents with mental health problems in Mongolia: associations with the severity of children's mental health problems and family structure
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- 07 July 2022, pp. 298-305
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Opportunities for improving data sharing and FAIR data practices to advance global mental health–Corrigendum
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- 24 April 2023, e20
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom self-report in adults in Kenya and its associated risk factors, an analysis from a household survey in a demographic surveillance site
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- 29 July 2015, e14
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Effective training practices for non-specialist providers to promote high-quality mental health intervention delivery: A narrative review with four case studies from Kenya, Ethiopia, and the United States
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- 09 May 2023, e26
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