More than 160 drugs in development to address mental health issues

problems Mental health is considered one of the epidemics of the 21st century and is only growing. Globally, there was a 48.1% increase in mental disorders between 1990 and 2019, according to a study published in The Lancet and included in the Weber Foundation’s The Social Value of Medicine 2024 report.

In Spain, one in three people suffers from mental health problemsthis proportion rises to 40% in people over 50 and half of people over 85. The most common disorders are anxiety, sleep disorders and depressive disorders.which is reflected in the annual report of the SNA of the Ministry of Health. Anxiety disorders affect 10% of the population, but twice as many women (14%) have them (14%) as men (7%).

These numbers worry the pharmaceutical industry as it strives to ensure the proper use of drugs for these diseases. “The value of medications to address mental health problems is widely recognized. As with other pathologies, Efforts should focus on prevention and health promotion, as well as early diagnosis. Now that pharmacological treatment is considered necessary as part of a comprehensive approach to health, it is equally important to ensure that these medications are used responsibly so that their value is maximized. This correct and correct use requires the commitment of all agents, including healthcare managers, industry representatives, healthcare professionals and patients,” explains Arancha Sancho, Director of Medical and Scientific Research at Farmaidustria.

Evidence of the industry’s commitment to addressing mental health issues is reflected in There are currently more than 160 drugs in development for mental illnessas reflected in the Weber Foundation report with data from the American employers’ association Phrma. The drugs being studied include 54 depression medications, 35 had schizophrenia, 35 had anxiety disorders, and 13 had bipolar disorders.

In Spain, which in recent years has positioned itself as one of the world leaders in clinical research, Almost 80% of research into these conditions is supported by industry.

Social burden of mental disorders

Mental disorders cause changes in the thinking, perceptions, behavior and emotions of those who suffer from them. Symptoms that have a major impact on personal and work relationships, having a very significant negative impact on the quality of life of the affected people.

“That’s why Medicines have high social value for these diseases.because they improve the quality of life of patients and therefore the quality of life of their family and social environment, which suffers from the health, work and economic burden of this important health problem, which often affects the most vulnerable groups of the population,” points out Sancho. Moreover, the impact – as well as the prevalence of these problems – is increasing and In Spain, the record for sick leave related to “mental and behavioral disorders” was broken in 2023 (classified by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Protection and Migration), there were almost 600,000 last year.

In this sense, the motto sounds World Mental Health Day 2024what’s this year “Work and mental health are a fundamental connection”and who advocates for improving working conditions and eliminating instability as a risk factor for psychological distress.