Khaberni - A comprehensive scientific study revealed that about 1.2 billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder, a number nearly double that recorded in 1990.
This has made mental disorders the leading cause of disability globally, surpassing heart diseases, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders.
The study, led by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in collaboration with the University of Queensland and published in the Lancet journal, is the most comprehensive of its type to date.
It examined the prevalence and burden of mental disorders among males and females, across 25 age groups, and in 21 geographical regions and 204 countries and territories, during the period from 1990 to 2023.
The study included 12 mental disorders, with severe anxiety and depression having the most impact, ranking 11th and 15th respectively in terms of the burden among 304 global diseases and injuries.
In 2023, mental disorders accounted for 171 million years lived with disability, making them the fifth largest cause of overall disease burden. These disorders also constituted more than 17% of the total years people live with disabilities, reflecting their increasing impact.
The recent increases are largely due to severe anxiety and depression. Since 2019, the prevalence of severe depression has risen by about 24%, while anxiety disorders have increased by more than 47%, both peaking in the years following the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Damian Santomauro, the lead author of the study, says that these increases may reflect the effects of pandemic-related stress, in addition to long-term factors like poverty, insecurity, abuse, violence, and reduced social interaction. He emphasizes that addressing this challenge requires sustained investment in mental health systems and expanded access to care.
Mental disorders affect all age groups, but they peak among individuals aged 15 to 19 years, a critical period shaping the future of education, employment, and personal relationships.
In early childhood, conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and conduct disorder are more prevalent, with boys being affected more than girls.
As children grow into adolescence, anxiety and depression become the main contributors to the mental disorder burden.
Regarding gender, women are more affected. In 2023, 620 million women suffered from a mental disorder compared to 552 million men. This is attributed to factors such as exposure to domestic violence and sexual assault, increased caregiving responsibilities, and gender discrimination.
Despite the prevalence of mental disorders, treatment remains inaccessible for many. Estimates suggest that only 9% of those with severe depression worldwide receive the minimum appropriate treatment, with less than 5% receiving adequate care in 90 countries. Only in a small number of high-income countries like Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands does treatment coverage exceed 30%.
Researchers emphasize that expanding access to services, especially in low and middle-income countries, will be crucial, requiring sustained investment and coordinated global efforts to improve mental health conditions worldwide.
