Mental Disorders Now the Leading Cause of Disability Worldwide

A major new study finds mental disorders now rank as the leading cause of disability worldwide, with anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder rising sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Mental health disorders are now the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to a major new study.

Researchers found nearly 1.2 billion people were living with a mental disorder in 2023 — almost double the number in 1990.

Their global analysis looked at data from 204 countries and found anxiety and depression have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rates of major depressive disorder have risen about 24% since 2019, while anxiety disorders skyrocketed more than 47%.

One author warns 15- to 19-year-olds are being hit especially hard during a critical stage of development that can shape education, employment, and relationships.

The results also show women are disproportionately affected, possibly due to caregiving pressures, gender inequality and higher rates of abuse.

The authors say addressing the growing crisis will require more investment in mental health care, expanded access to treatment and better support for at-risk populations.

Source: The Lancet

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