A new study published in The Lancet reports that around 1.2 billion people worldwide suffered from mental illnesses in 2023, marking a 95.5 percent increase since 1990. The research, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2023, found anxiety and depression to be the most prevalent conditions, followed by personality disorders. The study analyzed mental health trends across 204 countries and regions, highlighting that the world is entering an alarming phase of mental health burden.

Lead author Dr. Damian Santomauro of the University of Queensland expressed concern over the scale of the increase, calling for global leadership to address the crisis. The study noted that women are more affected overall, while autism, ADHD, conduct disorder, and personality disorders are more common among men. Mental illness has become a leading cause of disability, with the highest rates now seen among those aged 15 to 19.

Experts cited factors such as lifestyle stress, economic instability, trauma, inadequate healthcare, and social isolation as key drivers. They urged improvements in mental health services and lifestyle balance to meet growing global needs.