What the national survey found
Psychological disorders in Pakistan affect nearly one in three adults, according to the country’s first nationally representative mental health survey. Researchers reported that 32 per cent of adults were living with a diagnosable mental or behavioural disorder at the time of the study, while 38 per cent had experienced such a condition at some point in their lives.
The five-year project, carried out between 2018 and 2022 and published in the British Medical Journal, surveyed nearly 18,000 adults across all four provinces. Teams linked to the Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS) describe it as the largest and most comprehensive mental health study yet done in the country.
PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts
Among the clearest findings, one in five adults met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—distress and flashbacks after trauma. More than one in ten adults had depression. Six per cent said they had had suicidal thoughts in the previous month.
These patterns help explain why psychological disorders in Pakistan are being framed as a major public health challenge. Researchers linked mental health problems with serious strain on family life, friendships and the ability to work.
Who is most at risk
The survey also pointed to sharp social gaps. Higher rates of disorder were found among older adults, people with less education or lower incomes, those without jobs, and adults who were widowed, divorced or separated.
Lead investigator Professor Raza-ur-Rahman of Hamdard University, Karachi—working with Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the United Kingdom, the University of South Florida in the United States, and psychiatric institutions across Pakistan—said the study shows “who is most at risk, where support is most needed, and the scale of the unmet need for care.” The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics helped identify survey areas and set the sample size, and teams used international-standard tools.
What researchers hope comes next
Professor Rahman said the evidence should help cut stigma and improve access to diagnosis and treatment for millions of people. Senior co-author Professor Anjum Memon of Brighton and Sussex Medical School called it a landmark moment, arguing that for decades planners had relied on fragmented local studies or international estimates.
Researchers argue that better mental health statistics Pakistan-wide can guide how the state strengthens mental health services, targets resources and designs programmes. They also say the findings may be useful for other low- and middle-income countries facing similar pressures.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan ke pehle bade national survey mein teen mein se ek baligh ko diagnosable zehni ya behavioural disorder mila. PTSD aur depression bohot logon mein paye gaye, aur kuch logon ne pichhle mahine khudkushi ke khayalat bataye. Zyada asar amir se kam ilm, kam income, berozgari aur family tootne wali sooraton mein dikha. Yeh data policy aur ilaj ki sahooliyat behtar banane ke liye istemal ho sakta hai.
