Mental disorders have become the leading cause of disability across the world, overtaking cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders, according to a major global study published in The Lancet. Researchers say the findings reflect a worsening mental health crisis affecting millions of people across all age groups and regions.
The report, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2023, revealed that nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide were living with mental disorders in 2023. This marks a dramatic increase compared to 1990, with anxiety and depression emerging as the most widespread conditions globally.
Women and Teenagers Face Greater Mental Health Burden
The study highlighted that women and adolescents aged 15 to 19 are among the most affected populations. Researchers estimated that around 620 million women globally were living with mental health conditions in 2023, compared to 552 million men. Mental illnesses were found to contribute to more than 17 per cent of all years lived with disability worldwide (ndtv.com).
Health experts warned that the growing emotional and psychological burden among young people could have long-term consequences on education, employment, and social well-being if left unaddressed.
India Reports Sharp Rise in Anxiety Disorders
India has also witnessed a major rise in mental health concerns over the past three decades. According to the findings, anxiety disorders in the country increased significantly between 1990 and 2023, with women experiencing a sharper rise than men (ndtv.com).
Researchers linked the increase to multiple factors, including financial stress, unemployment, social isolation, academic pressure, and changing lifestyles. The lingering psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have further intensified emotional distress among individuals worldwide.
Pandemic and Social Pressures Intensifying the Crisis
The study noted that poverty, violence, loneliness, and declining social connections continue to worsen mental health outcomes globally. Experts believe that while physical recovery from the pandemic has improved in many countries, psychological recovery remains slow.
Professor Damian Santomauro, one of the lead researchers involved in the study, stated that mental disorders are now a major public health challenge requiring urgent policy intervention. He emphasised the need for stronger mental healthcare systems, early intervention programmes, and affordable treatment services.
Experts Call for Immediate Action
The research examined 12 major mental disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and eating disorders. Researchers observed that even countries with advanced healthcare systems continue to struggle with rising mental health burdens, indicating that the issue has become universal.
Mental health professionals have urged governments and healthcare institutions to prioritise awareness campaigns, counselling services, and community-based support systems. They also stressed the importance of reducing stigma surrounding mental illness to encourage people, especially young adults, to seek professional help without fear or discrimination.
References +
The Lancet Psychiatry – The Burden of Mental Disorders Across the States of India https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215036619304754?utm_source=chat gpt.com
ET Health World – Mental Disorders Leading Cause of Disability, Study — https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/mental-disorders-leading cause-of-disability-surpassing-cardiovascular-disease-cancerstudy/131254503?utm_source=chatgpt.com
