One in three adults in Pakistan lives with psychological disorder: study

KARACHI: Pakistan’s first nationally representative mental health survey has shown that nearly one in three adults is living with a diagnosable mental and behavioural disorder, highlighting a major public health challenge affecting millions of people across the country. The findings come from the largest and most comprehensive mental health study ever conducted in Pakistan, say researchers representing the Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS). The five-year research is published in the British Medical Journal . The survey was led by Professor Raza-ur-Rahman from Hamdard University, Karachi, in collaboration with Brighton and Sussex Medical School UK, University of South Florida, US, and psychiatric institutions across Pakistan.

Experts term findings of first national mental health survey ‘most reliable’ Nearly 18,000 adults from all four provinces participated in the 2018-2022 study, providing the first nationally representative picture of mental health in the country. Key findings The study found that 32 per cent of adults were currently living with mental and behavioural disorders, while 38 per cent had experienced a disorder during their lifetime. One in five adults met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More than one in 10 adults had depression, whereas six per cent reported suicidal thoughts in the previous month. Researchers also identified significant social inequalities in mental health. Higher rates of mental disorders were found among older adults, individuals with lower levels of education and income, unemployed people, and those who were widowed, divorced or separated. Mental health problems were associated with substantial impairment in family life, social relationships and the ability to work. “This survey provides the evidence needed to…