Depression more common than heart disease in UAE

Depressive disorders have shifted to top the list of most common health problems in the UAE.

Injuries are the second most common health problem, followed by heart diseases.

The ranking showcases a radical change in epidemiological trends, as the top 3 of most common health problems was almost reversed 25 years ago.

In the 1990s, heart disease was the most common problem, followed by injuries and depressive disorder ranked third.

The epidemiological shift was discussed at the ongoing interactive health forum held by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The UAE has witnessed an epidemiological transition from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, DHA concluded at the forum.

In the most recent data of health problems suffered in the UAE, lower respiratory infection was the most common communicable disease and was only ranked 23rd.The same disease was ranked 9th in 1990.

Mental health problems have moved up the chart significantly in recent years. With depressive disorders topping the list, anxiety disorders have moved up from 13th to 7th most common health problem. Drug use disorders were ranked 12th in 1990, while it was ranked 5th in 2010.

Diabetes moved up the list from being the 10th common health problem in 1990 to 6th common health problem in 2010.

Surprisingly, injuries remained at a second rank throughout the years, indicating the importance of trauma health care, said Moin Fikree, Medical Director of the Trauma Centre at Rashid Hospital.

Heart disease, injuries and stroke are the three most common health problems witnessed at the trauma centre, he said.

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