Understanding the Clinical and Economic Burden of Treatment- Resistant Depression

APPROXIMATELY ONE IN THREE PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS DO NOT RESPOND TO TREATMENT AND ARE CONSIDERED TO HAVE TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION (TRD). IN THE GCC, COUNTRIES SUCH AS KSA, KUWAIT AND THE UAE WOULD NEED TO SPEND BETWEEN 5 TO 20 PERCENT OF THEIR ANNUAL HEALTHCARE BUDGETS TO COMBAT THIS DISEASE. TO EXPLAIN MORE, BULENT OZTURK, MEDICAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR JANSSEN GCC TALKS ABOUT TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION (TRD) AND STEPS THAT COULD HELP DRIVE AWARENESS, MAKING THE TREATMENT MORE ACCESSIBLE AND REDUCING ITS HEALTHCARE BURDEN.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in four people around the world develop at least one mental or neurological disorder in their lifetime. What factors increase a person’s risk to develop Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)? “MDD is a devastating psychiatric disease, causing patients to suffer a 20-fold higher risk of suicide than others. Some factors that contribute to the risk of developing the disease are chronic medical conditions, age, family history, major life changes and severe trauma or chronic stress.”

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and the fourth leading contributor to global disease, yet recent investment into mental health has not matched its rising concerns. How does this affect healthcare systems? “Depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents and adults. From dementia to schizophrenia, almost one billion people worldwide suffer from a mental disorder. Lost productivity because of two of the most common mental disorders, anxiety, and depression, costs the global economy $1 trillion each year. Approximately one in three people who suffer from MDD do not respond to treatment and are considered to have Treatment Resistant Depression or TRD.”

“Besides these concerns, TRD also raises a heavy economic burden in terms of healthcare resource consumption and indirect costs to the system from loss of productivity. In the GCC, TRD costs for the KSA, Kuwait and the UAE were estimated at SAR 14,997m, KWD 30m, and Dh2,461m year-on-year, respectively.”

Why is the UAE an important geography for the healthcare industry to focus its efforts on mental health? “The UAE classifies mental health as a vital component of a balanced care system and sufficient attention is being given to mental and behavioral disorders in the national level planning. The UAE has adopted integrated approaches and strategies for these disorders recognizing their comorbidity and consequences, and to move the health system towards more effective and integrated management, and prevention, in addition to care.”

“Considering mental health, a national health priority, much progress has been achieved by the United Arab Emirates, however, there is still a long way to go. Decision makers, leaders, relatives, patients, professionals, and civil societies are working collaboratively towards achieving the shared vision, where UAE citizens can experience good mental health and well-being, mainly supported by integrated mental health services. All these reasons provide the right eco system for the healthcare sector to work in the area of mental health.”

What MDD treatment programs are currently available in the UAE? “The UAE is committed to the mental health of its people and in recent years has increased efforts through awareness programmes, counselling, and psychological support, providing pathways to patients for longterm care.” “Leading government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Department of Health, UAE Ministry of Happiness, Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Authority have addressed mental health as a priority. Mental health is also one of has also been prioritised under the campaign #Dontworry. Other notable initiatives in the UAE include the launch of community mental health units and a free mental health support network in Abu Dhabi, under the theme “Darkness into Light UAE” to raise awareness about mental health issues.” H

the 15 strategic programs under Dubai Health Strategy 2016 – 2021. The initiative is focused towards a Healthier and Happier Community which aims to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness, as well as provide patient empowerment.”

“During the current pandemic, MOHAP in the UAE launched a Hayat (Life) programme for mental health support during COVID-19 and a dedicated telephone counselling hotline. The UAE’s National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing

References:

The Clinical & Economic Burden of Treatment Resistant Depression in the GCC: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/ PIIS2214-109X(20)30432-0/fulltext www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/ PIIS2214-109X(20)30432-0/fulltext Ionescu DF, et al. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2015;17(2):111–126 The Clinical & Economic Burden of Treatment Resistant Depression in the GCC: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates www.mohap.gov.ae/Files/MOH_ OpenData/1579/Mental%20health.pdf https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/ justice-safety-and-the-law/handling-thecovid-19-outbreak/maintaining-mentalhealth-in-times-of-covid19