A recent study conducted by Iran’s Ministry of Health has revealed that one in four Iranians have experienced at least one mental health disorder in the past year. This finding underscores the widespread nature of mental health issues in the country and highlights significant gaps in the provision of mental health care.
The nationwide research, which was conducted over the past three years, revealed that 23.6% of Iranians suffer from one or more psychiatric conditions. However, the study also pointed out that two-thirds of those affected do not receive the necessary health interventions, with many individuals facing inadequate services and significant barriers to care.
Vahid Shariat, President of the Iranian Psychiatric Association, expressed concern over the lack of legal frameworks and systemic support for mental health care in Iran. “In Iran, there is no law that addresses psychiatric disorders,” Shariat told ILNA news agency. He criticized both policymakers and health authorities, including the Ministry of Health and the Welfare Organization, for neglecting the needs of individuals with mental health conditions.
Shariat also pointed out that the current mental health care system in Iran is grossly underfunded, with a limited range of services and medications available. The country’s system allows for only up to 54 days of psychiatric hospitalization per year. After that, patients must pay for any additional treatment out of pocket, making long-term care unaffordable for many. This is particularly problematic as nearly one-third of Iranians live below the poverty line.
In November 2023, Alireza Zali, President of Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, confirmed that mental health disorders are the second most common health issue in Iran, after musculoskeletal disorders. This aligns with earlier studies, including research published in the Iranian Journal of Psychology in 2021, which found that one in four Iranians experienced mental health challenges.
According to the Iran Mental Health Survey (IranMHS), depression (43%) and anxiety (40%) were the most prevalent disorders, followed by somatization (30%) and social dysfunction (8.1%). Mental health issues were most common among people aged 25–34 and over 75, with women experiencing higher rates than men. Tehran, the capital, had the highest incidence of mental health problems, with nearly 37.1% of residents affected—45.0% of women and 28.0% of men.
This data also aligns with a 2019 study published in The Lancet, which ranked depressive and anxiety disorders as some of the top causes of death and disability in Iran. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health care reform in the country.
Shariat and other mental health professionals have called for urgent intervention to address the mental health crisis in Iran. They argue that without adequate support, the burden of mental illness will continue to grow, placing a strain on families and communities.
The Iranian Psychiatric Association and other advocacy groups have urged the government to prioritize mental health in its policy agenda, citing the need for improved access to care, better training for healthcare professionals, and comprehensive mental health legislation.
As the mental health crisis deepens, experts warn that immediate action is needed to prevent further exacerbation of the issue. While the country’s mental health challenges are complex, improving the accessibility and quality of services could be a critical step toward improving the well-being of millions of Iranians affected by mental health disorders.
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