Mental health is a topic that affects us all, directly or indirectly. A recent global study conducted by researchers from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School has shed light on just how prevalent mental health disorders are in our society. The study, which analyzed data from over 150,000 adults across 29 countries, found that one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.
The most common mental health disorders identified in the study were mood disorders such as major depression or anxiety. Interestingly, the research also revealed that the risk of certain mental disorders differed between sexes, with depression and specific phobias being more common among women, while alcohol abuse was more prevalent among men.
What is particularly concerning is that these mental health disorders typically first emerge in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. The peak age of onset was found to be 15 years old, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention. This underscores the need for investment in basic neuroscience to better understand the development of these disorders.
Professor Ronald Kessler from Harvard Medical School emphasized the importance of investing in mental health services, particularly for young people. Detecting and treating common mental disorders promptly is crucial, and services need to be optimized to provide support during these critical stages of life.
By understanding the age at which mental health disorders commonly arise, public health interventions can be tailored to provide appropriate and timely support to individuals at risk. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the frequency and timing of mental disorder onset across different populations, and highlight the urgent need for action to address this global issue.
Source: The University of Queensland
Journal reference: McGrath, J. J., et al. (2023) Age of onset and cumulative risk of mental disorders: a cross-national analysis of population surveys from 29 countries. The Lancet Psychiatry. doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00193-1.