Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 22: Mental disorders have become the leading cause of disability worldwide, overtaking cardiovascular diseases, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions, according to a major new study published in The Lancet journal.
The study, conducted by researchers from The University of Queensland, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR), and the University of Washington, found that nearly 1.2 billion people globally were living with a mental disorder in 2023 — almost double the number recorded in 1990.
Researchers said the sharp rise has largely been driven by increasing cases of anxiety and depression, with women and adolescents aged 15 to 19 among the most affected groups.
According to the findings, around 620 million women and 552 million men worldwide were living with mental disorders in 2023. Mental illnesses accounted for more than 17 per cent of all years lived with disability globally.
The study also highlighted a significant rise in mental health disorders in India. The age-standardised prevalence of anxiety disorders across both sexes increased from nearly 2,592 cases per one lakh population in 1990 to 5,793 per one lakh population in 2023 — a rise of 123.5 per cent.
Among women in India, anxiety disorder prevalence rose by 136.7 per cent during the same period, compared to a 102 per cent increase among men.
Lead author Damian Santomauro, Associate Professor at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, said the increase could be linked to lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic along with long-term factors such as poverty, violence, abuse, insecurity and declining social connectedness.
He stressed the need for stronger investment in mental healthcare systems, wider access to treatment and coordinated global action to support vulnerable populations.
The researchers analysed trends from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2023 across 12 mental disorders, including anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and eating disorders.
The study found that women experienced higher rates of anxiety and depression, while neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders such as ADHD, autism and conduct disorder were more common among males and typically peaked during adolescence.
Globally, the highest mental health burden was recorded among individuals aged 15-19, prompting researchers to call for urgent preventive measures and targeted support for young people.
The findings come amid growing international concern over mental health challenges. In 2025, the World Health Organization had estimated that over one billion people worldwide were living with mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases.
Researchers also pointed to factors such as child abuse, domestic violence, inequality, climate change, pandemics, wars and natural disasters as major contributors to worsening mental health trends worldwide.