The global burden of epilepsy.
We briefly describe the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study, its goals, and some of its outcomes as related to neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The summary measure of population health DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) are described, as well as the implications for neuropsychiatric disorders of changing health indicators and the move from mortality toward disability indicators. The pressing need for new measures for health is answered by the new WHO Classification of Functioning Disability and Health, ICF, and a brief summary of its basic principles is provided. Although a better understanding of the physical, social, and economic burden of epilepsy has moved this disorder higher on the world's agenda, epilepsy still has problems to be recognized as a public health priority. The implications of a shift toward considering the disability of epilepsy, as outlined in the the WHO World Health Report 2001, are important. The burden of epilepsy is high and, for the year 2000, accounts for approximately 0.5% of the whole burden of diseases in the world.
Evidence and Information for policy Cluster/EIP, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. Leonardim@who.ch
Matilde
M
Leonardi
T Bedirhan
TB
Ustun
D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014943:Global Health; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006291:Health Policy; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration; D007391:International Cooperation; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014944:World Health Organization / Q000458:organization & administration