Half of the world’s population could develop a mental health problem in their lifetime

A global study in 29 countries reveals that one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. ” Before the age of 75, about half of the population can expect to develop one or more of the 13 mental disorders examined in this article. “, specify researchers from the University of Queensland and the Harvard Medical School.

Data from more than 150,000 adults comes from the World Mental Health Survey ofWHOWHO, the largest face-to-face psychiatric interview series ever. Conducted between 2001 and 2022, the interviews assessed the age of onset, lifetime prevalence, and disease risk of 13 DSM-IV mental disorders up to age 75.

Mental disorders appear early in life

The researchers found differences by gender. Thus, major depressive disorder, specific phobia (crippling anxiety that interferes with daily life), and post-traumatic stress disorder are the most common mental disorders in women. The abuse ofalcoholalcoholmajor depressive disorder and specific phobia are the most common disorders in men.

Despite the temporality of the research, these disorders generally first appear in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. ” A peak of onset of the first disturbances is observed at 15 years of age, with an average age of 19 years for men and 20 years for women. », She said Professor McGrath. According to the scientist, it is therefore necessary to invest in mental health services, with particular attention to young people.