{
  "id": 15343043,
  "title": "One in three adults in Pakistan lives with psychological disorder: study",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/one-in-three-adults-in-pakistan-lives-with-psychological-disorder",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T03:59:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2037942/one-in-three-adults-in-pakistan-lives-with-psychological-disorder-study"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Karachi: A groundbreaking mental health survey conducted in Pakistan has revealed that one in three adults is dealing with a diagnosable mental and behavioural disorder, underscoring a significant public health issue affecting millions nationwide. Researchers from the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, in collaboration with various institutions, conducted the five-year nationwide study published in the British Medical Journal. Led by Professor Raza-ur-Rahman from Hamdard University in Karachi, the survey included approximately 18,000 adults from all four provinces. Key insights from the study indicate that 32% of adults currently live with mental and behavioural disorders, while 38% experienced such disorders at some point in their lives. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was found to affect one in five adults, while over ten percent had depression, and six percent reported suicidal thoughts in the previous month. The research also highlighted social inequalities in mental health, with higher rates among older adults, those with lower education and income levels, the unemployed, and widowed, divorced, or separated individuals. These findings are described as the most reliable national data on mental health in Pakistan, providing essential insights to develop effective mental health policies and services. The survey's lead investigator emphasized that the study would aid in reducing stigma and improving access to care for millions. Experts stress the need for greater integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, increased investment in community-based support systems, and enhanced training for healthcare workers to address these challenges.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "One-third of Pakistan's adults have diagnosable mental disorders.",
    "Survey of 18,000 adults across four provinces.",
    "PTSD affects one in five adults, depression over ten percent."
  ],
  "editors_take": "These findings provide the necessary evidence for policymakers to integrate mental health services into primary care and target resources toward vulnerable populations facing significant social inequalities.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "One in three adults in Pakistan lives with psychological disorder: study",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/one-in-three-adults-in-pakistan-lives-with-psychological-disorder-15349442",
        "published": "2026-10-18T03:59:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}