Nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide were living with a mental disorder in 2023, making mental disorders the leading cause of disability globally for the first time, according to a study published May 23 in The Lancet.
Researchers from the Seattle-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation analyzed the prevalence and burden of 12 mental disorders across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023. The study examined data across 25 age groups, both sexes and 21 global regions.
Here are five things to know:
- Mental disorders surpassed cardiovascular disease, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions as the top driver of disability worldwide in 2023. Researchers found mental disorders accounted for 171 million disability-adjusted life years globally and more than 17% of all years lived with disability.
- Anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder fueled much of the recent rise in mental health burden. The age-standardized prevalence of major depressive disorder increased about 24% since 2019, while anxiety disorders rose more than 47%.
- Adolescents ages 15-19 experienced the highest burden of mental disorders of any age group. Researchers said this developmental stage can significantly affect long-term education, employment and relationship outcomes.
- Women experienced a greater overall burden than men. In 2023, 620 million women worldwide were living with a mental disorder, compared to 552 million men. Women also accounted for 92.6 million disability-adjusted life years globally, compared to 78.6 million among men.
- Researchers identified gaps in treatment access worldwide. The study estimated only about 9% of people with major depressive disorder globally receive minimally adequate treatment, while fewer than 5% receive adequate care in 90 countries.
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