Global Mental Health Crisis Deepens as Disorders Become Top Cause of Disability
Lancet study warns anxiety and depression cases are rising rapidly among youth and women worldwide
NEW DELHI, May 22: Mental disorders have officially become the leading cause of disability worldwide, overtaking cardiovascular diseases, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions, according to a major international study published in The Lancet. Researchers said the number of people living with mental health conditions has more than doubled since 1990, reaching nearly 1.2 billion globally in 2023.
The research, carried out by experts from The University of Queensland, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and the University of Washington, found anxiety and depression are driving the sharp rise in mental health disorders across continents.
The report highlighted that adolescents aged 15-19 years are facing the highest mental health burden globally. Women continue to be more vulnerable to anxiety and depressive disorders, while developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism remain more common among males.
Researchers linked the worsening crisis to pandemic related stress, rising inequality, social isolation, economic uncertainty, domestic violence, armed conflicts and climate-related disasters. They warned that low and middle-income countries require urgent investments in mental healthcare systems, counselling services and awareness programmes.
