In 1990 there were 599 million mental disorder cases globally. Now there are 1.2 billion
The global prevalence of mental disorders has nearly doubled since 1990, reaching approximately 1.2 billion cases in 2023. Anxiety and major depressive disorders are the most common, while schizophrenia has the highest impact on disability-adjusted life years. Researchers emphasize the need for increased investment in mental health systems to address this growing challenge.
- ▪The number of mental health cases worldwide has increased from 599 million in 1990 to 1.17 billion in 2023.
- ▪Anxiety disorders rose from 182 million cases in 1990 to 470 million in 2023, a 47% increase.
- ▪Mental disorders now account for over 17% of all disability worldwide, making them a leading cause of disability globally.
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Almost 1.2 billion people living with mental disorders worldwide as case numbers nearly double since 1990By Brianna Morris-GrantTopic:Mental HealthFri 22 May 2026 at 8:30amFri 22 May 2026 at 8:30amFri 22 May 2026 at 8:30amThe number of mental health cases worldwide has almost doubled over the past three decades, according to new research published this week. (Getty Images: Solarseven)In short: New research shows the global mental health burden has almost doubled since 1990, according to new research published this week. Anxiety and major depressive disorders were the most common, but schizophrenia showed the most impact on disability-adjusted life years, or DALYs. Researchers say it suggests the world is entering an "even more concerning phase" of worsening global mental health.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).