Abstract
AIMS AND METHOD: We aimed to examine the burden of mental disorders in Pakistan over the past three decades. We used the crude data of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study database (1990-2019) to represent burden. Data were retrieved on 26 January 2021. Data for adults of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) were analysed to discuss and interpret the disease burden. An analysis was conducted on total DALYs separately for the genders for ten mental disorders reported in Pakistan. RESULTS: DALYs increased drastically with the onset of reproductive age. Depressive disorder was the most reported mental disorder, contributing 3.13% (95% CI 2.25-4.24) of total DALYs, and varied significantly between genders: females 3.89% (95% CI 2.73-5.29) versus males 2.37% (95% CI 1.62-3.25). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A nationwide high-quality epidemiological surveillance system should be implemented to monitor mental disorders and offer culturally appropriate preventive services.