Mental disorders nearly doubled since 1990, now affecting 1.2 billion people worldwide

A major new study suggests that mental disorders have become one of the world’s fastest-growing health challenges, with nearly 1.2 billion people affected globally — almost twice as many as in 1990.

The research, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in collaboration with the University of Queensland and published in The Lancet, found that mental disorders are now the leading cause of disability worldwide, ahead of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Scientists analyzed data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, making it the most extensive assessment of global mental health burden to date. The study covered 12 mental disorders across different age groups and regions.

According to the findings, anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder were among the largest contributors to disability worldwide. In 2023, mental disorders were responsible for 171 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), accounting for more than 17% of all years lived with disability globally.

Researchers say the sharp increase in mental health problems has been driven largely by anxiety and depression, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2019, the prevalence of major depressive disorder has risen by around 24%, while anxiety disorders have increased by more than 47%.

The burden was particularly high among teenagers aged 15–19, a period researchers describe as critical for education, relationships, and future employment. Women were also disproportionately affected: in 2023, around 620 million women worldwide were living with a mental disorder compared with 552 million men.

The study notes that factors such as poverty, violence, insecurity, discrimination, caregiving responsibilities, and declining social connectedness may contribute to worsening mental health outcomes.

Researchers also highlighted major inequalities in access to treatment. Globally, only about 9% of people with major depressive disorder receive minimally adequate care, while fewer than 5% receive adequate treatment in around 90 countries.

The authors stress that expanding mental health services and increasing long-term investment in mental health systems will be essential to addressing the growing global burden.

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