Newswise — A comprehensive international research project, jointly led by experts from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School, reveals that approximately 50% of individuals will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.
The study, spearheaded by Professor John McGrath from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute and Professor Ronald Kessler from Harvard Medical School, involved collaboration with researchers from 27 other countries. They meticulously analyzed data from over 150,000 adults across 29 countries, spanning the years from 2001 to 2022. The data was sourced from the World Health Organisation's World Mental Health Survey initiative, which conducted the largest-ever coordinated series of face-to-face interviews on this subject matter.
According to lead author Professor McGrath, the findings highlight a significant occurrence of mental health disorders, as approximately 50% of the population will experience at least one disorder by the age of 75. The most prevalent disorders were mood-related, such as major depression or anxiety.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the risk of certain mental disorders varied based on gender. Among women, the three most common mental health disorders were identified as follows:
- Depression
- Specific phobia, which causes disabling anxiety and interferes with daily life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It is crucial to acknowledge these prevalent conditions to foster better understanding and support for mental health across different demographics.
Among men, the three most prevalent mental health disorders are:
- Alcohol abuse
- Depression
- Specific phobia
The study also revealed that mental health disorders typically manifest during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
According to Professor McGrath, the peak age for the first onset of these disorders was around 15 years old, with a median age of onset being 19 for men and 20 for women. These findings emphasize the importance of investing in fundamental neuroscience research to gain a deeper understanding of the development of these disorders.
Professor Kessler emphasized the necessity of investing in mental health services, particularly with a focus on young individuals. Such investments can significantly contribute to addressing and supporting the mental health needs of the younger population.
Additionally, the research findings unveiled that mental health disorders predominantly emerge during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
Professor McGrath pointed out that the peak age of first onset was approximately 15 years old, with a median age of onset at 19 for men and 20 for women. These results underscore the significance of directing resources towards fundamental neuroscience research, aiming to enhance our comprehension of how these disorders originate and progress.
In agreement, Professor Kessler emphasized the crucial need to invest in mental health services, particularly targeting young individuals. By doing so, these investments can make a substantial impact on addressing and supporting the mental health requirements of the younger population.
The study is published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
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