Mental Disorders Leading Cause Of Disability, Surpassing Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer: Study

New Delhi, May 22: Mental disorders have become the leading cause of disability worldwide, surpassing cardiovascular diseases, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions, according to a new study published in The Lancet.

The study found that the global burden of mental disorders has more than doubled since 1990, with nearly 1.2 billion people living with a mental health condition in 2023.

Researchers from The University of Queensland, the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and University of Washington said rising cases of anxiety and depression were the major contributors to the increase.

According to the findings, mental disorders accounted for more than 17 per cent of all years lived with disability globally in 2023. Women and adolescents, particularly those aged 15 to 19 years, were found to be disproportionately affected.

The study showed that 620 million women worldwide were living with mental disorders in 2023, compared to 552 million men.

In India, the age-standardised prevalence of anxiety disorders rose sharply from nearly 2,592 per one lakh population in 1990 to 5,793 per one lakh population in 2023. The prevalence among women increased by 136.7 per cent during the period, compared to 102 per cent among men.

Researchers said the increase may reflect the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic along with long-term factors such as poverty, insecurity, violence, abuse and declining social connectedness.

Lead author Damian Santomauro said sustained investment in mental health systems, improved access to care and coordinated global action were necessary to address the growing crisis.

The study analysed trends from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2023 covering 12 mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and eating disorders.

Researchers noted that mental health burden remained high across both resource-poor and developed countries and called for stronger surveillance systems, especially in low and middle-income nations.

The study also found that neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders such as ADHD, conduct disorder and autism were more common among males and typically peaked during adolescence.

Author Alize Ferrari from the University of Queensland said the global response to mental disorders remains inadequate and pointed to factors such as child maltreatment, domestic violence, inequality, climate change, pandemics, wars and natural disasters as contributors to worsening mental health trends. (Agencies)