Impacto económico y carga de los trastornos mentales comunes en España: una revisión sistemática y crítica

Common mental disorders include the most prevalent disturbances, especially anxiety and mood disorders, as well as somatizations in fewer cases. These disorders are frequently found in primary care (49.2% of probable cases) and are associated with high rates of several chronic illnesses. Given their high prevalence rates, in addition to high rates of untreated cases and low percentage of cases that follow a minimally evidence-based treatment, these disorders impose the greatest costs and burdens among all mental disorders. However, there are different approaches and methodologies when it comes to quantifying their impact. The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review and critique of published studies since 2006, on the costs and burdens of common mental disorders in Spain. Only 15 studies met the inclusion criteria; there were large methodological differences in terms of the sources used, cost analyses and, hence, the results obtained. Despite the heterogeneity, these common mental disorders account for 2.2% of the GDP in Spain and are responsible for 50% of the costs of all mental disorders; depression on its own is the leading cause of disability (Years Lived with Disability [YLD]) worldwide. There is little literature on the costs and burdens of common mental disorders in Spain. The great diversity in methodologies restricts the meta-analysis on this subject. In conclusion, it would be recommendable to define standardized criteria for future studies in order to evaluate the impact of these disorders in a more rigorous way.