COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Major Depressive Disorder in Women of Childbearing Age Globally

Strategic Insights -

A comprehensive analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on major depressive disorder (MDD) among women of childbearing age (WCBA) has revealed a pronounced female predominance in MDD, contributing significantly to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) among WCBA. The research, conducted by the Department of Gastroenterology, used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to assess MDD prevalence, incidence, and DALYs among WCBA globally, regionally, and nationally from 1990 to 2021.

Key Takeaways:

  • Global prevalent cases among WCBA surged from 49.6 million (95% UI: 41.6 to 60.2) in 1990 to 85.6 million (95% UI: 70.3 to 103.8) in 2021, reflecting a 25.7% acceleration during 2019-2021 versus 1.2% annual growth pre-pandemic.
  • Prevalence rates declined marginally pre-2019 (EAPC: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.29) but reversed sharply post-pandemic (EAPC: 11.47, 95% CI: -0.56 to 24.95), reaching 4,394.55 per 100,000 population in 2021.
  • Regionally, middle and low-middle socio-demographic index (SDI) regions accounted for over 55% of global cases (23 million [95% UI: 18.9 to 27.8] and 24.2 million [95% UI: 19.6 to 29.9], respectively) in 2021.
  • Native American women reported the lowest prevalence rates (1,492.58 per 100,000 population), while high-income North America reported the highest (8,403.17 per 100,000 population).
  • ARIMA projections suggest 103.06 million global prevalent cases by 2036-32% above pre-pandemic estimates-with high SDI regions persisting at 5,617.68 per 100,000 population.

Statistics:

  • Prevalent cases among WCBA surged from 49.6 million (95% UI: 41.6 to 60.2) in 1990 to 85.6 million (95% UI: 70.3 to 103.8) in 2021.
  • Prevalence rates increased from 3,611.15 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 4,394.55 per 100,000 population in 2021.
  • The pandemic disproportionately impacted adolescents globally, with a 30.06% increase in prevalence rates among 15-19-year-olds.
  • High-SDI regions exhibited the highest 2021 prevalence rates (5,617.68 per 100,000 population) and steepest post-2019 surge (EAPC: 13.66).
  • The prevalence rates were lowest in East Asia (1,856.99 per 100,000 population) and highest in high-income North America (8,403.17 per 100,000 population).

Sources:

  • Burden and trends of major depressive disorders among women of childbearing age and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the global burden of disease study 2021. (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2025;16:1630601)
  • Researchers at Department of Gastroenterology Target COVID-19 (Burden and trends of major depressive disorders among women of childbearing age and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the global burden of disease study 2021). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 180.