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The count of individuals experiencing mental health issues has almost doubled in the last three decades, primarily due to significant increases in anxiety and depression across the globe, as per a recent research.

The study, released in the medical journal The Lancet as part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, suggests that approximately 1.2 billion individuals were affected by a mental health disorder in 2023.

This represents a 95% growth from 1990. The increase was more significant for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, which rose by 131% and 158% respectively, positioning them as the two most prevalent mental health issues globally.

“Addressing the mental health requirements of our worldwide community, particularly for those who are most at risk, is a responsibility, not an option,” the authors stated.

The report outlines mental disorders as common diseases that lead to significant human distress and prolonged health issues. In addition to the individual impact, the authors noted that mental illness also influences families, workplaces, and governments due to decreased productivity, reduced workforce engagement, and increasing strain on social welfare and healthcare services.

Not everyone suffers equally

Although mental health issues have risen worldwide, the impact is not distributed equally.

The authors reported 620 million cases of mental disorders in females and 552 million in males, although they mentioned that limited research has been conducted to measure the factors contributing to the gender gap in mental health conditions.

According to the report, females face lower self-esteem, a higher inclination toward body-related shame, and increased instances of domestic violence and sexual abuse compared to males.

Additional elements that might account for this variation involve physiological changes—especially during the peripartum phase—rising professional obligations, and systemic disparities like gender-based discrimination.

Among females, depression and anxiety were the most frequent issues. Persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa also occurred more often in women.

In contrast, neurodevelopmental and behavioral conditions—such as ADHD, conduct disorder, and autism—occurred more frequently in males.

The greatest psychological stress worldwide was identified in adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and specific assistance for youth.

What is causing the rise?

The study highlighted various significant risk factors connected to mental health issues, such as childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and harassment. These were linked to illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, behavioral disorder, and bulimia.

Nevertheless, scientists noted that these elements by themselves are not sufficient to account for the increase in cases. Exposure levels stayed fairly consistent over time and contributed to just 18% of mental disorder Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in 2023 — a metric reflecting years of healthy life lost because of illness or disability.

The researchers indicated that mental health results are probably influenced by a more intricate combination of factors, such as heredity, biological elements, economic hardship, increasing inequality, and significant worldwide events like conflict, disease outbreaks, environmental catastrophes, and global warming.

Despite mental illnesses being a major cause of disability across the globe for many years, the report highlights that the worldwide impact is still increasing.

Meanwhile, the growth of mental health services has not matched the increasing need.

“Disturbingly, this rise in responsibility has not been matched by a corresponding growth in mental health services around the world,” the authors stated.