Mental health disorders have officially surpassed cardiovascular disease and cancer to become the leading cause of disability globally, according to a comprehensive analysis published in The Lancet by the Global Burden of Disease 2024 Collaborators. The landmark study reveals that nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide are living with mental health-related disabilities, representing a critical shift in global health priorities.
Depression and anxiety disorders are driving this crisis, collectively accounting for over 60% of the total mental health disability burden. Dr. Alize Ferrari, lead researcher at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, emphasizes that depression alone accounts for 4.2% of all years lived with disability worldwide. This comprehensive assessment of 204 countries and territories demonstrates that mental health challenges transcend borders and demographics, affecting individuals across all age groups and requiring urgent, coordinated international response.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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