Mental health burden doubled since 1990, 1.2 billion people affected globally

Mental health illnesses are a rising concern globally; it is a known fact. The global burden of mental disorders has doubled since 1990, and they are the leading cause of disability, overtaking heart issues, cancer, and musculoskeletal conditions, according to a recent study published in The Lancet journal.

The study led by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) noted that the increase was largely due to the rising incidence of anxiety and depression mental disorders, and people aged between 15 and 19 years are most affected. During this age, factors like academic stress, social exclusion, bullying, body image issues, or uncertainty about the future often induce a lot of stress. This time is a critical developmental period for children as it shapes their personal relationships, education, and employment.

Global incidence shows a steep rise 

In 2023, 620 million women of all ages were living with a mental disorder compared to 552 million men of all ages globally. 

In India, the prevalence of anxiety disorders across both sexes was almost 2,592 per one lakh population in 1990. This incidence rose to 5,793 per one lakh population in 2023. These differences are likely shaped by a mix of factors, including exposure to domestic violence and sexual abuse, increased caregiving responsibilities, and structural inequalities such as gender discrimination.

The study noted that women experienced a higher burden of anxiety and depression in 2023, while neurodevelopmental behavioural disorders like ADHD, conduct disorder, and autism were more prevalent in men. 

Researchers examined the prevalence and burden across both sexes, 25 age groups, 21 regions, and 204 countries from 1990 to 2023. The extensive research has made it the most comprehensive analysis of mental disorder burden to date. 

Why is the world facing this surge? 

Researchers analysed trends from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), Injuries, and Risk Factors study 2023, for 12 mental disorders, including anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and eating disorders. 

“These rising trends reflect both the lingering effects of pandemic-related stress and longer-term structural drivers such as poverty, insecurity, abuse, violence, and declining social connectedness,” Damian Santomauro, lead author and associate professor, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, University of Queensland, said. 

Addressing this growing number requires increased accessibility to mental health systems, better investments, and coordinated global action to support people at risk, Santomauro said.