$709 billion
The return on investment that the world would see if countries were to substantially scale up treatment for anxiety disorders and depression over the next 15 years, according to a World Health Organization analysis1 of 36 low-, middle- and high-income countries. Economic productivity gains would yield $399 billion of those gains, and an increase in population healthy life-years would yield the other $310 billion.
$147 billion
The amount of money that the world would need to invest in mental health treatment, including counseling and medication, to see those gains.
7.3 percent
The percentage of people worldwide with an anxiety disorder, according to WHO estimates. The rate of depression is 3.2 percent for men and 5.5 percent for women.
3 percent
The average share of their overall health budget that countries spend on mental health services. The percentages range from about 1 percent in low-income countries to about 5 percent in high-income countries.2
$2 per person per year
The amount of money that low- and middle-income countries spend on mental health services right now, according to WHO estimates.2
1 www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(16)30024-4/abstractopens in new window
