New research reveals the global burden of mental illness has nearly doubled in 30 years. A study published in The Lancet, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, estimates 1.2 billion people were living with a mental health condition in 2023. That marks a 95% increase since 1990. Major depression and anxiety disorders saw the steepest rises, up 131% and 158% respectively.
The burden is not evenly shared. Researchers report 620 million cases among females and 552 million among males. Women face higher rates of depression and anxiety, linked to factors like lower self-esteem, domestic violence, and gender discrimination. Men show higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism.
The highest mental health burden was found among teenagers aged 15 to 19. While risk factors including childhood sexual violence, bullying, and poverty play a role, researchers say these only account for 18% of disability-adjusted life years. They point to a more complex mix of genetics, biology, rising inequality, and global crises like war and pandemics.
The authors warn that despite the growing crisis, mental health services have not expanded proportionally. They call the response to mental health needs "an obligation, not a choice."