The 50/50 chance of mental health disorders by 75

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2 Aug 2023

183

Mental health disorders are among the most common and disabling conditions that affect people worldwide. They can cause significant distress, impairment and suffering for individuals and their families. They can also increase the risk of physical illnesses, social problems and premature death.

But how common are mental health disorders, and who is most likely to develop them? A new study published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry has tried to answer these questions by analyzing data from over 100,000 people in 21 countries. The study is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, and it reveals some surprising and alarming findings.

What did the study find?

The study used data from the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Surveys, which collected information on the prevalence, severity and impact of various mental health disorders among adults aged 18 and older. The surveys covered a range of disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders and others.

The researchers used statistical methods to estimate the lifetime risk of developing any mental health disorder, as well as specific disorders, for different age groups and regions. They also calculated the proportion of people who had a disorder at any given time (12-month prevalence), and the average age of onset for each disorder.

The main findings of the study were:

Half of the population will develop a mental health disorder by age 75. The estimated lifetime risk of any mental health disorder was 50.8%, meaning that one in two people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. This is higher than previous estimates, which ranged from 32% to 41%.
Mental health disorders are more common in high-income countries than in low- and middle-income countries. The lifetime risk of any mental health disorder was 56.6% in high-income countries, compared to 44.7% in low- and middle-income countries. This may be due to differences in diagnostic criteria, cultural factors, access to care and reporting bias.
Mental health disorders start early in life. The median age of onset for any mental health disorder was 21 years, meaning that half of the people who develop a mental health disorder do so before they turn 21. Anxiety disorders had the earliest onset (median age of 15 years), followed by substance use disorders (median age of 19 years), mood disorders (median age of 25 years) and psychotic disorders (median age of 28 years).
Mental health disorders are more common among women than men. The lifetime risk of any mental health disorder was 56.4% for women, compared to 44.7% for men. This was mainly due to higher rates of anxiety and mood disorders among women. However, men had higher rates of substance use disorders and impulse-control disorders.
Mental health disorders are associated with lower education, income and marital status. The lifetime risk of any mental health disorder was higher among people who had less than secondary education (54.2%), compared to those who had secondary or higher education (48%). It was also higher among people who had low income (53%), compared to those who had high income (48.9%). And it was higher among people who were never married (54%), compared to those who were married or cohabiting (49%).

What are the implications of the study?

The study provides a comprehensive and updated picture of the global burden of mental health disorders. It shows that mental health disorders are very common, affecting half of the population at some point in their lives. It also shows that mental health disorders start early in life, and are influenced by social and economic factors.

These findings have important implications for policy makers, health professionals and the general public. They highlight the need for:

Increasing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health disorders. Many people who suffer from mental health disorders do not seek help or receive adequate treatment, due to lack of knowledge, shame or fear of discrimination. Raising awareness and reducing stigma can encourage people to seek help early and improve their outcomes.
Investing in prevention and early intervention programs. Since mental health disorders start early in life, there is a window of opportunity to prevent or delay their onset or reduce their severity. Prevention and early intervention programs can target risk factors such as trauma, stress, poverty, violence and substance abuse, as well as promote protective factors such as resilience, coping skills, social support and healthy lifestyles.
Improving access and quality of care for people with mental health disorders. Many people who have mental health disorders do not receive adequate or appropriate care, due to lack of resources, trained professionals or evidence-based treatments. Improving access and quality of care can improve the lives of millions of people who suffer from mental health disorders, as well as reduce their impact on society.

What can you do to protect your mental health?

Mental health disorders are common, but they are not inevitable. There are many things you can do to protect your mental health and prevent or cope with mental health disorders. Some of the tips include:

Seek help if you need it. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as persistent sadness, anxiety, mood swings, hallucinations, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to seek professional help. You can talk to your primary care provider, a mental health professional, a counselor, a helpline or a support group. There is no shame in asking for help, and it can make a big difference in your recovery.
Take care of your physical health. Your physical health and mental health are closely connected. Taking care of your physical health can improve your mental health and vice versa. Some of the ways to take care of your physical health include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding tobacco, alcohol and drugs, and managing chronic conditions.
Manage your stress. Stress is a normal part of life, but too much stress can harm your mental health. Stress can trigger or worsen symptoms of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. Managing your stress can help you cope better and prevent or reduce the impact of mental health disorders. Some of the ways to manage your stress include practicing relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or massage, engaging in hobbies or activities that you enjoy, such as reading, music, art or sports, setting realistic and achievable goals, prioritizing and organizing your tasks, seeking social support from friends, family or others who understand what you are going through, and seeking professional help if you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Build positive relationships. Having positive and supportive relationships can boost your mental health and wellbeing. Relationships can provide you with emotional support, practical help, companionship and a sense of belonging. They can also help you cope with stress, adversity and mental health problems. Building positive relationships can involve spending quality time with people who care about you and respect you, such as family members, friends, colleagues or neighbors, expressing your feelings and needs honestly and respectfully, listening and showing empathy to others, giving and receiving feedback and compliments, resolving conflicts constructively and peacefully, joining groups or communities that share your interests or values, such as clubs, teams or online forums, volunteering for a cause that you care about or helping someone in need.

Conclusion

Mental health disorders are common and serious conditions that affect millions of people around the world. They can cause significant distress, impairment and suffering for individuals and their families. They can also increase the risk of physical illnesses, social problems and premature death.

A new study predicts that half of the population will develop a mental health disorder by age 75. The study also reveals that mental health disorders are more common in high-income countries than in low- and middle-income countries, more common among women than men, more common among people with lower education, income and marital status, and start early in life.

These findings highlight the need for increasing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health disorders, investing in prevention and early intervention programs, and improving access and quality of care for people with mental health disorders.

There are also many things you can do to protect your mental health and prevent or cope with mental health disorders. These include seeking help if you need it, taking care of your physical health, managing your stress and building positive relationships.
Mental health is an essential part of your life and wellbeing. By taking care of your mental health, you can improve your quality of life and happiness.

What do you think about these findings? How do you take care of your mental health? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

References

Mental disorders | World Health Organization (WHO)
Mental Health | Our World in Data
Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mental Health Statistics (2023) | Forbes Health
Prevalence Data 2022 | Mental Health America
Mental health | World Health Organization (WHO)
Prevention of mental disorders | Wikipedia
10 ways to prevent mental illness | idealmedhealth
Mental Health Promotion and Prevention | Youth.gov
Mental illness - Diagnosis and treatment | Mayo Clinic
Mental Health Disorders: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment Options | Cleveland Clinic
Treatment of mental disorders | Wikipedia
Treatment of Mental Illness - Mental Health Disorders | Merck Manuals

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