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WHO Report: Depression Is Second Biggest Cause Of Disability Worldwide

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A global study has shown depression to be the number two cause of disability worldwide, behind back pain.

The research, which was conducted by the World Health Organization and published in the journal PLOS, analyzed the burden of depression in the 2010 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study.

Women were more likely than men to suffer from depression, and the rates were higher among adults of working age.

Furthermore, WHO says the global burden of depressive disorders increased by 37.5% between 1990 and 2010 because of population growth and ageing.

The report also found different levels of depression in different countries. Afghanistan had the highest rates of depression while Japan had the lowest.

Researchers say the study's findings "reinforce the importance of treating depressive disorders as a public-health priority and of implementing cost-effective interventions to reduce their ubiquitous burden."

To see the study, click here.

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