Global Mental Disorder Burden Doubles Since 1990, Study Reveals
World’s burden of mental disorders doubled since 1990
The University Of Queensland
Image: The University Of Queensland
A recent study indicates that nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide are living with a mental disorder in 2023, nearly double the figure from 1990. Mental disorders are now the leading cause of disability globally, especially affecting youth aged 15-19 and women more than men. Researchers call for improved surveillance and coordinated policy action for early treatment and prevention.
- 01The study analyzed 12 mental disorders, including anxiety and major depression, using the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) metric.
- 02Mental disorders were the fifth leading cause of DALYs in 2023, rising from twelfth place in 1990.
- 03The burden of mental disorders peaked among youth aged 15-19 years, with women experiencing higher rates than men.
- 04The highest increases in DALY rates were observed in Australasia and Western sub-Saharan Africa.
- 05Researchers emphasize the need for a significant shift in response strategies, highlighting factors like child maltreatment, domestic violence, and the impact of climate change.
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A study conducted by The University of Queensland, University of Washington, and Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research reveals that the global burden of mental disorders has nearly doubled since 1990, with about 1.2 billion people affected in 2023. Mental disorders have now become the leading cause of disability worldwide, surpassing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The research analyzed 12 mental disorders using the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) metric, which measures healthy years of life lost. Notably, mental disorders ranked as the fifth leading cause of DALYs in 2023, a significant rise from twelfth place in 1990, primarily driven by increases in anxiety disorders and major depression. The burden is most pronounced among youth aged 15-19, with women showing higher prevalence than men. The study highlights the urgent need for better surveillance and coordinated policy actions to address this growing crisis. Factors contributing to the rise include child maltreatment, domestic violence, and the effects of climate change and pandemics. Researchers advocate for early treatment and prevention strategies to mitigate this escalating public health issue.
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The rising burden of mental disorders signifies a critical need for enhanced mental health services and policy reforms globally, affecting individuals, families, and communities.
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