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

Our analysis reveals a dual crisis: high SDI regions face entrenched high prevalence rates (5,617.68 per 100,000 population projected), while low SDI regions carry substantial burden (4,593.77 per 100,000) with rapid case expansion (160% since 1990). The pandemic disproportionately impacted adolescents globally (+30.06% PC), yet East Asia demonstrated resilience (-11.53% PC). These findings demand stratified interventions: digital mental health tools in high-income settings, community-based screening in resource-limited areas, and adolescent-focused programs worldwide. Immediate policy action is needed to avert intergenerational mental health consequences.