Major Depressive Disorder: Epidemiology Report and Forecast

Major Depressive Disorder: Epidemiology Report and Forecast

Summary

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, represents one of the most pervasive and debilitating mental health conditions globally. MDD is clinically defined by a constellation of cognitive and physical symptoms persisting for at least two weeks, as established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) (American Psychiatric Association, 2026). MDD is a complex, multifaceted medical illness characterized by persistent depressed mood, anhedonia, recurrent thoughts of death, and physical and cognitive symptoms. MDD can severely compromise individual quality of life owing to the disorder itself as well as related medical comorbidities, social factors, and impaired functional outcomes (Marx et al., 2023). Treatment for MDD commonly involves pharmacological therapy with antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. While evidence-based interventions ranging from pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy to advanced neuromodulation offer significant relief to many, a substantial portion of individuals experience treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (Charpeaud et al., 2017).

In the 8MM, the 12-month total prevalent cases of MDD are expected to increase from 53,187,010 cases in 2025 to 54,161,849 cases in 2035, at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 0.18%. In 2035, the US will have the highest number of 12-month total prevalent cases of MDD in the 8MM, with 22,426,893 cases, and Japan will have the fewest 12-month total prevalent cases of MDD with 2,049,221 cases. The 12-month total prevalent cases of TRD are expected to increase from 10,096,693 cases in 2025 to 10,296,664 cases in 2035, at an AGR of 0.20%. In 2035, the US will have the highest number of 12-month total prevalent cases of TRD in the 8MM, with 4,283,537 cases, and Japan will have the fewest 12-month total prevalent cases of TRD with 245,620 cases. The analyst epidemiologists attribute the increase in the 12-month total prevalent cases of MDD and 12-month total prevalent cases of TRD to changes in population dynamics and the prevalence rate in each market.

Scope

• This report provides an overview of the risk factors, comorbidities, and global and historical trends for MDD in the eight major markets (8MM: US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, and Canada).
• It includes a 10-year epidemiological forecast for the 12-month total prevalent cases of MDD based on studies that used the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. The 12-month total prevalent cases of MDD (including diagnosed and undiagnosed) are further segmented by age (18 years and older), sex, and severity (mild, moderate, and severe) in these markets.
• The model also provides the 12-month total prevalent cases of TRD in the 8MM markets. This epidemiology forecast for MDD is supported by data obtained from peer-reviewed articles and population-based studies. The forecast methodology was kept consistent across the 8MM to allow for a meaningful comparison of the forecast diagnosed prevalent cases of MDD across these markets.

Reasons to Buy

• The Major depressive disorder (MDD) epidemiology series will allow you to:
• Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global MDD market.
• Quantify patient populations in the global MDD market to improve product design, pricing, and launch plans.
• Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the age groups that present the best opportunities for MDD therapeutics in each of the markets covered.