Major depressive disorder, also known as MDD, is a significant medical condition that not only has a negative impact on a person’s physical and mental health but also leads them to experience a chronic sensation of despair and a lack of interest in life. In addition to impacting how you think, feel, and act, it can also result in various emotional and physical issues. It is possible that you will struggle to perform daily tasks and feel like life is not worth living.

The Middle East is not an exception; major depressive disorder is a common mental illness afflicting millions of people globally.

The Middle East has lately witnessed an increase in the prevalence of serious mental disorders. From 2019, epidemiological research on significant depressive disorder in the Middle East and North Africa found that the incidence rate was 4,921.7 per 100,000 population, while the age-adjusted prevalence of major depressive disorder was 3,322.1 cases per 100,000 people.

This is a result of the social, economic, and cultural challenges the region faces; political unrest, continuous violence, financial hardships, and societal stigma on mental health all help to explain the high rate of depression in the Middle East.

Studies on nations such as Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, where war and violence have decimated communities and caused tremendous upheaval and displacement, reveal significant rates of depression as a result of the trauma and upheaval their people have gone through. Economic uncertainty and high unemployment rates exacerbate already unstable circumstances and contribute to people’s stress and mental health issues. Moreover, the general societal shame around mental health problems reinforces the belief that people should suffer in silence. Oftentimes, stigmatizing major depressive illness results in ignorance and a lack of awareness among the general public. This stigma prevents people from seeking and receiving the support they need.

MDD in Egypt: An alarming reality

With certain regional quirks, the situation in Egypt is a reflection of the Middle East as a whole. According to the World Health Organization, Egypt has one of the highest rates of depression in the Eastern Mediterranean. Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population conducted a study that revealed around 5.7% of the population suffers from depression, surpassing the global prevalence rate of approximately 4.4%.

The statistics demonstrate that major depressive illness profoundly affects all aspects of Egyptian society, from individuals to their families and communities in general. Depression’s negative effects on individuals’ quality of life, work performance, and general well-being impact the economy and healthcare systems. This, in turn, causes lower production, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare expenses.

Various factors contribute to the high rates of major depressive disorder in Egypt, one of the main ones being the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the country, with many people feeling ashamed or embarrassed to seek help for their depression, leading to cases being under-reported and untreated. On top of this, many Egyptians have social and economic difficulties, such as unemployment, poverty, and political unrest, which can worsen sentiments of despair and pessimism. Egypt also has a shortage of mental health specialists and funding, making it difficult for people to get the help they need. Many people suffering from persistent depression either do not get the therapy they need or are unable to afford it. People without help may struggle to manage their symptoms and maintain their mental health.

Challenges in Treating Major Depressive Disorder

One of the critical challenges in managing MDD in the Middle East, including Egypt, is the reliance on older medications. These drugs aren’t always effective and can have serious negative effects on some people. Many people who use antidepressants don’t stick to their treatment plans because of the unpleasant side effects they experience, such as gaining weight, sexual dysfunction, and extreme exhaustion. As a result, few people are able to recover, and those who do typically face a long and difficult road to wellness. The fact that many patients endure extended suffering due to poor or postponed therapy highlights the critical need for more recent and effective treatment choices. Furthermore, individualized treatment programs are uncommon, and instead, a “one size fits all” mentality is prevalent. As a result, patients may not receive the best disease treatment, which can lead to poor outcomes.

Infomine makes a new advancement in mental health treatment possible.

At Infomine, we understand the pressing need for innovation in mental health treatment. A well-known pharmaceutical business has made it possible to produce an innovative new treatment for persistent mental illness. This novel drug dramatically shortens the time it takes to experience beneficial effects and increases the rate of remission, according to trials. The improved side effect profile of this new medicine makes it more acceptable for patients, leading to higher adherence to the prescribed regimen in comparison to prior treatments.

Infomine’s market research played a crucial role in this success. By carefully analyzing the market and understanding patients’ needs and challenges, we helped the pharmaceutical company set a fair and appropriate price for the medication. This ensured that it was available to all patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Through surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, we gathered valuable insights into patient preferences, affordability, and competition. This information was instrumental in developing a pricing strategy that balanced affordability with the need to recoup R&D costs. Our efforts have not only facilitated the introduction of a new and effective treatment for chronic depressive disorder but have also contributed to improving the overall mental health landscape in the Middle East.