Mental disorders have emerged as the leading cause of disability worldwide, surpassing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and musculoskeletal conditions, according to a major new study published in The Lancet. Researchers found that nearly 1.2 billion people globally were living with mental disorders in 2023, highlighting a dramatic rise in the global mental health burden over the past three decades.
The study, conducted by researchers from the The University of Queensland, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, and University of Washington, revealed that the burden of mental disorders has more than doubled since 1990. Anxiety and depression were identified as the largest contributors to this growing crisis, with women and adolescents disproportionately affected.
According to the findings, mental disorders accounted for more than 17 per cent of all years lived with disability globally in 2023. Researchers noted that around 620 million women worldwide were living with mental health conditions, compared to 552 million men. Adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years recorded the highest mental health burden, raising concerns about rising stress, social isolation, academic pressure, and digital-era anxieties affecting younger populations.
The report also highlighted worrying trends in India. The age-standardised prevalence of anxiety disorders in the country rose sharply from nearly 2,592 cases per one lakh population in 1990 to 5,793 per one lakh population in 2023, marking an increase of more than 123 per cent. Among Indian women, the increase was even steeper at around 136 per cent, while men recorded a rise of over 100 per cent during the same period.
Researchers believe multiple factors are contributing to the global mental health crisis. Pandemic-related stress, financial insecurity, unemployment, domestic violence, social isolation, climate change, conflict, and declining social connectedness were identified as major drivers behind rising mental health disorders. Experts also warned that rapid urbanisation and increased digital dependency may be worsening anxiety and depression, especially among younger generations.
The study analysed data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2023 and covered 12 mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, conduct disorders, and eating disorders. Researchers found that while anxiety and depression were more common among women, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism were more prevalent among males and peaked during adolescence.
Mental health experts have stressed that the global response remains inadequate despite the growing burden. Researchers noted that mental health conditions continue to receive less funding and policy attention compared to physical illnesses like cancer and heart disease. In many low- and middle-income countries, including India, access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselling services remains limited, particularly in rural regions.
Previous studies published in The Lancet Psychiatry had already warned about India’s rising mental health burden. Reports showed that one in seven Indians was affected by mental disorders of varying severity by 2017, while treatment gaps remained extremely high due to stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Public discussions around mental health in India have also intensified in recent years. Online conversations and community forums frequently highlight rising stress levels among students, professionals, and young adults. Many people continue to face stigma when seeking treatment, while awareness about mental health disorders remains limited in several sections of society.
Experts involved in the study have called for stronger mental health systems, early intervention programmes, improved surveillance, and increased investment in healthcare services worldwide. They believe governments must integrate mental healthcare into primary health systems and prioritise prevention, counselling, and community support to address the rapidly growing burden. The researchers warned that without coordinated global action, mental disorders could continue to expand as one of the world’s biggest public health challenges in the coming decades.
