Mental disorders are increasing: there are almost 1.2 billion people affected throughout the world
Anxiety and depression disorders were the most prevalent, with an increase of 158% and 131%.
In 2023, almost 1.2 billion people in the world suffered from mental disorders, which represents an increase of 95.5% since 1990. Anxiety and depression disorders were the most prevalent, highlighting an increase of 158% and 131%, respectively.
Among the less frequent disorders were anorexia, bulimia and schizophrenia, although the figures are not negligible either: approximately 4 million, 14 million and 26 million cases.
These data, collected in a study published in the journal The Lancet, suggest that the health crisis caused by the pandemic continues to have an impact, with high levels of anxiety and depression that have not returned to pre-pandemic numbers.
The research also analyzes the variations of these disorders depending on age, sex and other sociodemographic variables.
Factors underlying the crisis
Experts have identified a number of factors contributing to the rise in mental disorders, including economic instability, trauma, and lack of access to medical care.
“If you stop to reflect on the conditions in which people live, unfortunately it is not surprising,” said Robert Trestman, chief of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, in statements cited by CNN.
Despite greater openness about mental health, the expansion of services to address it has not kept pace.
The importance of seeking professional help and improving lifestyle factors is also highlighted. Organizations like Mental Health America and Befrienders Worldwide offer resources and helplines for those seeking mental health support.
Identification of common symptoms
The most common symptoms of mental disorders are usually grouped into changes in mood, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning; Identifying them involves observing duration, severity, and impact on daily life and seeking professional evaluation if various symptoms persist or worsen.
How to identify whether to worry
What to do if you or someone has signs
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