NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — A groundbreaking global study led by researchers from the University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School has revealed a startling finding: one in two people will suffer from a mental disorder in their lifetime. The collaboration involved researchers from 29 countries using data from more than 150,000 adults in the largest coordinated series of face-to-face interviews in history.
In the study, conducted from 2001 to 2022, analyzed information obtained as part of the World Health Organization‘s World Mental Health Survey initiative. Lead author Professor John McGrath from the Queensland Brain Institute (UQ) and Professor Ronald Kessler from Harvard Medical School led the large-scale study, which sheds light on the prevalence of mental disorders and the different risks faced by different population groups.
Professor McGrath stressed that the findings indicate the widespread prevalence of mental disorders: by the age of 75, 50% of people develop at least one disorder. The most commonly identified disorders are mood disorders such as major depression and anxiety. In addition, the study found that the risk of developing certain mental disorders differs between genders.
The researchers also identified the three most common mental disorders among women: depression, specific phobia (anxiety that interferes with daily life) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among men, the most common mental disorders are alcohol abuse, depression and phobias.
Additionally, research has shown that mental disorders typically begin in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. The peak age of onset of the disorder is 15 years, the average age of onset of the disorder is 19 years for men and 20 years for women. The findings highlight the urgent need for investment in basic neuroscience to better understand the development of these disorders.
Professor Kessler stressed the importance of investing in mental health services, particularly with a focus on young people. He emphasized the need for early identification and prompt treatment of common mental disorders, tailored to specific individuals at these critical stages of their lives. Understanding the age at which these disorders typically occur allows population health interventions to be tailored to ensure timely and appropriate support for those at risk.
The results of this study provide valuable information about the incidence and timing of mental disorders in various population groups. It serves as a wake-up call to communities around the world, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, support and resources to address the growing mental health crisis.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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