MCQ Detailed View

Depression is a serious mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and impaired daily functioning. Its prevalence in Pakistan has been studied extensively, but the estimates vary widely due to differences in methods, population groups, and diagnostic tools.

One recent comprehensive study, the National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey of Pakistan (2022), reports that the prevalence of depressive disorders (clinical depression) currently is about 11.57 % of the population. MedRxiv This figure is considered more reliable because it uses structured diagnostic criteria across diverse regions.

However, many other studies—especially in clinical or urban populations, or among students—report much higher rates. Some surveys combining depression and anxiety find prevalence in the range of 30 % to 50 % among adults in Pakistan. BMJ Open+2PMC+2 Some non-peer sources also suggest rates around 34 %. ejeph.com+1

Because of these discrepancies, presenting a single fixed rate (like 34%) is only justifiable if it's clearly stated as an estimate from specific sources rather than a definitive, official statistic.

Therefore, the correct MCQ answer here (34%, option D) should be considered an approximate estimate rather than an exact fact. When teaching or using this question, it is important to mention the wide range of possible rates and which surveys support which figures.

Understanding these nuances is part of Everyday Science / Public Health knowledge—statistics in social and medical sciences often have uncertainty and variation.