Global economic burden of depression in 154 countries from 2025 to 2050
Nature Medicine, Published online: 28 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04548-7 A macroeconomic modeling analysis across 154 countries estimates that depression will impose a US$12 trillion global economic burden between 2025 and 2050, equivalent to around 0.5% of the annual global GDP.
The global economic impact of depression is estimated to be US$12 trillion between 2025 and 2050, representing 0.460% of annual global gross domestic product. The highest burdens are projected in the United States and China, with Lesotho, Uganda, and Togo facing the highest relative burdens as percentages of their respective GDPs. Key drivers of this economic loss include reduced labor force participation and productivity.
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