Rabat – Depression could cost Morocco more than $21 billion (around MAD 191 billion) by 2050, according to a new international study, with most of the economic losses expected to come from lower workforce participation and reduced productivity rather than healthcare spending.
Published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine, the study examined the economic impact of depression across 154 countries and estimated that Morocco could lose $21.23 billion (MAD 191 billion) between 2025 and 2050, based on 2024 dollar values.
The researchers note that the estimate comes with some uncertainty.
Depending on the assumptions used in the analysis, Morocco’s cumulative losses could range from $16.47 billion to $27.25 billion (MAD 148 billion to MAD 245 billion) over the 25-year period.
According to the study, the burden would amount to an average of 0.504% of Morocco’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the period examined.
On an individual level, the cumulative economic cost is estimated at $493 (MAD 4,440) per person between 2025 and 2050.
The researchers emphasize that this figure represents the total cost over 25 years, not an annual loss for every Moroccan.
Rather than focusing only on healthcare expenses, the study evaluated how depression affects the economy through reduced labor force participation, absenteeism, lower workplace productivity, and slower career progression.
It also included treatment costs paid by households, insurers, and public healthcare systems.
The findings suggest that productivity-related losses make up the largest share of the projected economic burden.
People living with depression may miss work more frequently, struggle to perform everyday tasks, reduce their working hours, or leave the workforce altogether.
According to the researchers, these effects generate significantly greater economic losses than the direct cost of medical treatment.
While spending on mental healthcare can also reduce the money available for household savings and investment, the study found that these financial effects remain relatively small compared with the impact of lost productivity.
Morocco is not alone. Worldwide, the study estimates that depression could result in nearly $12 trillion (MAD 108 trillion) in cumulative economic losses between 2025 and 2050, representing approximately 0.46% of global GDP over the period.
The authors acknowledge several limitations, including differences in how countries diagnose and report depression, as well as disparities in access to mental health services.
Despite these challenges, the researchers conclude that expanding prevention efforts, improving early diagnosis, and increasing access to mental healthcare could generate substantial economic benefits by reducing absenteeism, supporting workforce participation, and improving productivity.
