Scientists have discovered an unexpected pattern: mental disorders in spouses coincide more often than previously believed. An international team of researchers analyzed data from over five million couples in Taiwan and more than a million marital unions in Denmark and Sweden. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour (NHB).

The analysis revealed correlations across nine types of mental disorders, and this effect persists across multiple generations. A similar pattern was observed in different cultures, indicating the global nature of the phenomenon.

The authors note that the similarity of mental states between spouses may increase the prevalence of disorders, influence the emergence of comorbid diagnoses, and skew assessments of genetic factors. They emphasize that these findings are important to consider when planning preventive measures and developing treatments for mental disorders.

Previous research has also shown that even mild forms of emotional dependence in relationships can negatively affect cognitive functions, impairing not only mental well-being but also memory.