A new study published in The Lancet medical journal indicates that as of 2023, nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions, marking a 95,5% increase since 1990, according to CNN.

Scientists found anxiety and depression are driving this surge, increasing by 158% and 131% respectively. Simple personality disorders rank third. The Covid-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, causing the number of depression and anxiety patients to peak and remain high throughout 2023, rather than returning to pre-crisis levels.

Experts from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington analyzed data from 204 countries and territories. Their survey of 12 pathologies indicates that mental instability is becoming a leading cause of disability. Notably, the prevalence of these conditions currently peaks in the 15 to 19 age group.

Doctor Damian Santomauro, the study's lead author, stated that this epidemiological shift towards adolescence instead of middle age is unprecedented. Doctor Robert Trestman from Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine warned that disruptions during this sensitive period of brain development and social skill acquisition could lead to lifelong consequences.

The data also reflects clear gender differentiation. Females account for the majority of anxiety, depression, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa cases. Conversely, males are more prevalent in autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities. Doctors also recorded tens of millions of cases of less common conditions such as schizophrenia, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.

Illustrative photo: Rogers Behavioral Health.

Explaining the surge in cases, experts point to a mix of positive and negative factors. According to Doctor Arthur Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the American Psychological Association, improved diagnostic capabilities, combined with population growth, allow healthcare systems to identify more patients. Society has also become less prejudiced, encouraging people to openly seek help instead of suffering in silence.

However, the core reasons driving the escalating prevalence of these conditions stem from declining living conditions, economic instability, psychological trauma, political conflict, and the fragmentation of social connections.

Doctor Paul Bolton from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health assesses that data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 is the closest to current reality, even though the medical community still faces reporting gaps from healthcare facilities.

Given the increasingly severe burden of disease, the authors urge policymakers to urgently improve healthcare systems. Experts also advise individuals facing crises to proactively consult doctors for treatment, while also adjusting their lifestyles, prioritizing sleep, exercise, and work-life balance.

Binh Minh (According to CNN)