1.2 billion people worldwide suffer from mental health disorders: Study

Approximately 1.2 billion people globally suffered from various mental health disorders in 2023, an increase of 95.5 per cent compared to 1990, according to a new study published in The Lancet .

The research identified anxiety and depression as the fastest-growing and most common mental health conditions .

The study analysed data from 204 countries and territories, examining trends in 12 types of mental disorders across different ages, genders and socioeconomic conditions.

The prevalence of mental health disorders was found to be higher among women, while men showed higher rates of autism, ADHD, personality disorders and certain behavioural conditions. Young people aged 15 to 39 were found to be most at risk, with those aged 15 to 19 currently experiencing the highest rates of mental health problems.

Researchers attributed the increase to factors including the Covid-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, war, political instability, social isolation, domestic violence and discrimination. Increased awareness, improved disease detection and longer life expectancy have also contributed to the rise, the study noted.

However, the most concerning finding, according to researchers, is that while mental health disorders are rapidly increasing, the global infrastructure and services for mental healthcare have not expanded sufficiently .

Experts warned that mental health has become one of the leading causes of global disability, and without swift and effective action, the crisis could deepen further.