世界银行-拉丁美洲和加勒比地区青少年和年轻人的心理健康_心理健康疾病的间接成本和缓解政策的经济影响（英）_55页_2mb

Summary of "Mental Health among Adolescents and Young Adults in Latin America and the Caribbean: Indirect Costs of Mental Health Illness and the Economic Impact of Mitigation Policies"

1. Introduction and Context
   The report examines the indirect economic costs of mental health conditions (MHC) among adolescents (aged 10–24) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). These costs include GDP loss due to reduced productivity and early mortality. The study uses a broad definition of MHC, categorized into neurological disorders (ND), mental health disorders (MHD), substance use disorders (SUD), and self-harm and suicide (SHS).

2. Key Findings

   • The prevalence of MHC increased significantly in the LAC region from 1990 to 2019, contributing to rising health and economic burdens.
   • In 2019, MHC accounted for 3,618 DALYs per 100,000 population in LAC.
   • Indirect economic costs from MHC in 2019 reached approximately US$48.3 billion (nominal GDP) or US$100.4 billion (PPP-adjusted GDP), equivalent to 0.44% of regional GDP.
   • The damage ranges from 0.21% to 0.74% of GDP depending on the country, indicating significant interregional variations.

3. Impact of MHC

   • Mental health conditions disproportionately affect productivity, especially among the working-age population (15–24 years). Using the adjusted method, annual GDP loss ranges from US$37.9 billion (nominal) to US$78.5 billion (PPP-adjusted), representing 0.34% of GAC GDP.
   • Specific conditions headlining the burden include headache disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and self-harm by other means.

4. Regional Challenges

   • Data gaps obstruct accurate assessment of MHC incidence in LAC countries. Issues include underreporting due to stigma, limited collection mechanisms, and inconsistencies in definitions and service delivery.
   • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated MHC issues, increasing absenteeism and limiting access to mental health services.

5. Policy Recommendations

   • Enhance Data Collection: Improve surveillance of MHC prevalence, direct and indirect costs, and service delivery to inform better programs.
   • Comprehensive and Participatory Mental Health Policies: Involving youth in policy-making and integrating mental health into social services to ensure holistic and culturally sensitive care.
   • Expand Community-Based Interventions: Reduce stigma, improve access, and promote early detection with the use of technology and AI tools.
   • Target Pregnant Adolescents: Prioritize interventions to address intergenerational impacts and improve maternal mental health outcomes.

Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for targeted actions to address MHC indirectly impacting economic welfare. Strengthened data, youth-centric policies, and robust community support are crucial to mitigate future economic losses and enhance human capital development.