Nearly one in three adults in Pakistan is living with a diagnosable mental or behavioural disorder, according to the country's first nationally representative mental health survey. The landmark five-year study, conducted between 2018 and 2022 and published in the British Medical Journal, highlights a growing public health challenge across the country.
Led by researchers representing the Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS) alongside international experts, the study surveyed nearly 18,000 adults across all four provinces. Led by Professor Raza-ur-Rahman from Hamdard University, Karachi, in collaboration with Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the UK, the University of South Florida in the US, and local psychiatric institutions, the survey provides the most comprehensive picture of mental health in Pakistan to date.
High rates of trauma and depression
The survey revealed that 32 per cent of adults currently live with mental health disorders, while 38 per cent have suffered from a psychological condition during their lifetime. Among specific conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a severe anxiety condition triggered by traumatic events—was identified in one in five adults.
Depression affects more than 10 per cent of the adult population, according to the research findings. Furthermore, six per cent of respondents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts within the month prior to being surveyed.
Social inequalities and risk factors
The findings point to significant social and demographic disparities in mental health prevalence across the population. Researchers found elevated rates of disorders among older adults, as well as individuals with lower levels of education and income.
Unemployed individuals and those who were widowed, divorced, or separated also experienced disproportionately higher rates of psychological disorders, underscoring how economic and social vulnerability impacts mental wellbeing.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan mein pahlay qoumi survey ke mutabiq har teen mein se ek baligh shakhs zehni ya nafsiyati bimari ka shikar hai. Is tahqeeq mein pata chala hai ke 32 feesad log zehni masaail ka samna kar rahe hain jabke 20 feesad mein PTSD ke aasaar paaye gaye. Ghurbat, berozgari aur taleem ki kami se zehni bimariyon ka khatra mazeed barh jata hai. Yeh shawahed zahir karte hain ke mulk mein zehni sehat ke ilaj aur aagahi ki sakht zaroorat hai.
