NEW DELHI, May 22: Mental disorders have emerged as the leading cause of disability worldwide, surpassing cardiovascular diseases, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions, according to a major new study published in the medical journal The Lancet.
The study, conducted by researchers from The University of Queensland, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and the University of Washington, revealed that nearly 1.2 billion people across the globe were living with a mental disorder in 2023 almost double the number recorded in 1990.
Researchers said the sharp increase has been largely fuelled by rising cases of anxiety and depression, with adolescents and women facing a disproportionately higher burden.
The report found that mental disorders accounted for more than 17 per cent of all years lived with disability globally in 2023, highlighting the growing pressure on healthcare systems and social support networks worldwide.
In India, the prevalence of anxiety disorders witnessed a dramatic rise over the past three decades. Age-standardised prevalence across both sexes increased from nearly 2,592 cases per one lakh population in 1990 to around 5,793 per one lakh population in 2023, marking a rise of over 123 per cent.
Women in India experienced a sharper increase in anxiety disorders compared to men during the same period. Researchers noted that prevalence among women climbed by nearly 137 per cent, while the increase among men stood at about 102 per cent.
Lead author Damian Santomauro, associate professor at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research in partnership with the University of Queensland, said the findings point toward long-term social and economic pressures affecting mental well-being.
He noted that lingering pandemic-related stress, poverty, insecurity, abuse, violence and declining social connectedness are among the major contributors behind the growing mental health burden.
Santomauro stressed the need for sustained investment in mental healthcare systems, wider access to treatment and coordinated global efforts to support vulnerable populations.
The researchers analysed trends from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2023, covering 12 major mental disorders including anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders.
According to the study, mental disorders continue to impose a significant health burden across all countries and territories, irrespective of economic status or healthcare resources.
The report also highlighted that women recorded higher rates of anxiety and depression globally, while neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders such as ADHD, conduct disorder and autism spectrum disorder were more common among males, particularly during adolescence.
The highest burden of mental disorders worldwide was reported in the 15-19 age group, underlining the urgent need for early intervention, preventive care and targeted support for young people.
Researchers warned that low and middle-income countries require stronger surveillance systems and improved data collection to better understand and address mental health challenges.
In September 2025, the World Health Organization had also estimated that more than one billion people globally were living with a mental health condition in 2021, with anxiety and depressive disorders accounting for nearly two-thirds of all reported cases.
Co-author Alize Ferrari from the University of Queensland’s School of Public Health said the findings demonstrate that the global response to mental health disorders remains inadequate despite growing awareness.
Ferrari added that factors such as child maltreatment, domestic violence, genetic risks, rising inequality, social isolation, climate change, pandemics, wars and natural disasters are increasingly contributing to mental health problems worldwide.