Scientists have concluded that half of the world’s inhabitants are likely to undergo a mental health disorder by the time they reach 75 years of age. This finding underscores the urgency for enhanced investment in mental health services for young people, as well as further research into the genesis of these disorders.
A joint international study conducted by researchers from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School reveals that one out of every two individuals will suffer from a mental health disorder during their lifetime.
The research team, led by Professors John McGrath of the Queensland Brain Institute at The University of Queensland and Ronald Kessler of Harvard Medical School, in conjunction with specialists from 27 other countries, analyzed data from more than 150,000 adults. The data spanned 29 nations and was gathered from 2001 through 2022. The information was collected from the most comprehensive series of face-to-face interviews ever coordinated, which was part of the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey initiative.
Professor McGrath, the lead author, stated that the findings reveal a high incidence rate of mental health disorders. According to the research, 50% of individuals will confront at least one mental health disorder by the age of 75. “The most frequent types of disorders were mood-related, such as severe depression and anxiety,” explained Professor McGrath. “Furthermore, the study showed that the risk of specific mental disorders varies between genders.”
Among women, the three most prevalent mental health disorders were identified as:
- Depression
- Specific phobia (a debilitating form of anxiety that disrupts daily life)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
For men, the three most commonly occurring mental health disorders were:
- Alcohol abuse
- Depression
- Specific phobia
The study also revealed that mental health disorders often first manifest during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. “The data showed the median age for the first onset of disorders to be 19 for men and 20 for women, with the peak age at 15,” said Professor McGrath. “This finding lends credence to the necessity of investing in foundational neuroscience to comprehend the reasons these disorders materialize.”
Professor Kessler emphasized the need for additional investment in mental health services, particularly those aimed at the youth demographic. “Healthcare services must be proficient in swiftly identifying and treating common mental disorders, and should be adapted to meet the unique needs of this crucial age group,” Professor Kessler noted. “By discerning the ages at which these disorders generally appear, we can better direct public health initiatives and resource allocation, ensuring that timely and appropriate assistance is available for those at risk.”
According to the research team, the study’s outcomes offer valuable perspectives regarding the prevalence and onset timing of mental health disorders across a variety of populations.
Reference: “Age of Onset and Cumulative Risk of Mental Disorders: A Cross-National Analysis of Population Surveys from 29 Countries” by an extensive list of contributors, published in The Lancet Psychiatry on July 30, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00193-1
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mental Health Research
What is the primary finding of the global study on mental health?
The primary finding of the study is that 50% of the world’s population is likely to experience at least one mental health disorder by the age of 75.
Who conducted the research?
The research was a collaborative effort led by scientists from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School, involving experts from 27 additional countries.
What data sources were used in the research?
The researchers analyzed data from over 150,000 adults across 29 countries, collected from 2001 to 2022 as part of the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey initiative.
What were the most common mental health disorders found among men and women?
Among women, the most common disorders were depression, specific phobia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For men, the most prevalent disorders were alcohol abuse, depression, and specific phobia.
At what age do mental health disorders typically first manifest?
The study found that mental health disorders often first appear during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, with the median age of onset being 19 for men and 20 for women.
Why does the study emphasize the need for investment in youth mental health services?
The research indicates that mental health disorders often first manifest at a young age. This highlights the critical need for investment in mental health services targeted at young people to provide timely detection and treatment.
What insights does the study offer concerning mental health services?
The study suggests that mental health services need to be proficient in promptly identifying and treating common mental disorders and should be adapted to meet the unique needs of different age groups, particularly youth.
Where was the study published?
The study was published in The Lancet Psychiatry on July 30, 2023, and has a DOI of 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00193-1.
More about Mental Health Research
- The Lancet Psychiatry Journal
- World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey initiative
- University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute
- Harvard Medical School Psychiatry Department
- Mental Health Services and Policy Research
- Investment in Youth Mental Health
5 comments
can’t believe the peak age is just 15! Schools need to step up with mental health education and support, no joke.
So they got data from 29 countries, that’s pretty extensive. I think it gives the study a lot more credibility. Hats off to the researchers.
Wow, this is eye-opening. 50% by age 75 is a crazy stat. We need to focus on mental health like, yesterday.
The age of first onset being so young is a wake up call. Investment in youth mental health isn’t just nice to have, it’s a must.
never thought the numbers would be so high, its scary tbh. Makes you think how important mental health really is.