Hyderabad: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental disorders are among the leading public health challenges globally, affecting around 1 in every 7 people.

While effective treatments are available for many conditions, WHO says most people still do not receive the care they need, especially due to stigma and discrimination.

Mental disorders affect over a billion people globally

According to the WHO fact sheet on mental disorders, an estimated 1.1 billion people worldwide were living with a mental disorder in 2021, Anxiety and depression were the most common conditions.

WHO defines a mental disorder as a clinically significant disturbance in a person’s cognition, emotional regulation or behaviour, which is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.

Types of mental disorders

The organisation notes that there are many different types of mental disorders.

These include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, disruptive behaviour disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Anxiety and depression are most common

WHO estimates that 359 million people were living with anxiety disorders in 2021, including 72 million children and adolescents.

The organisation says anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive fear, worry and related behavioural disturbances that significantly affect daily functioning.

Depression affected an estimated 280 million people, including 23 million children and adolescents.

What is depression?

According to WHO, depression is different from temporary sadness or emotional responses to life’s challenges.

A depressive episode involves persistent low mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks and may also include poor concentration, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, fatigue, feelings of guilt or hopelessness and thoughts of death or suicide.

Treatment exists, but access remains limited

WHO says effective prevention and treatment options exist for many mental disorders, including psychological therapies, behavioural interventions and medicines where appropriate.

However, access to care remains a major challenge.

According to WHO, only 29 per cent of people with psychosis and about one-third of people with depression receive formal mental health care globally.

Stigma prevents people from reaching out for help

The organisation also highlights that many people living with mental disorders face stigma, discrimination and violations of their human rights, which can prevent them from seeking or receiving treatment.

WHO notes that mental health is influenced by a combination of individual, family, community and structural factors. People exposed to poverty, violence, disability and inequality are at greater risk of developing mental disorders.

The agency says strengthening health systems and improving access to quality mental health services are essential to reducing the treatment gap and ensuring people with mental disorders receive the care and social support they need.