Psychological disorders in Pakistan hit one in three adults
Pakistan’s first national mental health survey of nearly 18,000 adults finds 32% currently have a disorder, with PTSD and depression among the most reported conditions.
A five-year national survey (2018–2022) found 32% of Pakistani adults currently living with a mental or behavioural disorder, and 38% over a lifetime.
Nearly 18,000 adults from all four provinces took part; researchers call it the country’s first nationally representative mental health study.
About one in five adults met criteria for PTSD; more than one in ten had depression; 6% reported suicidal thoughts in the previous month.
Rates were higher among older adults, people with lower education or income, the unemployed, and those widowed, divorced or separated.
Lead researchers say the data can guide mental health policy, resources and services across Pakistan.