Archive · 29 Jan 2026
60% of mental disorders in India diagnosed below 35, experts warn
Experts at a big meeting in Delhi said that most people in India who have mental health problems are under 35 years old.
This is a big problem because these are the years when people are studying and starting their careers.
The experts said that mental health problems often start very early, sometimes even before people are 25.
They also said that not enough people are getting the help they need.
The experts want schools and colleges to have programs to help with mental health and to make sure people know that it's okay to talk about these problems.
They also said that using too many digital devices can make mental health problems worse.
The experts want India to take mental health very seriously and to help young people get the support they need.
Nearly 60% of mental disorders in India are diagnosed in individuals below the age of 35.
The median age of onset for mental disorders ranges between 19 and 20 years.
62.5% of mental disorders begin by the age of 25, affecting education, careers, and relationships.
Experts warn that untreated mental disorders in youth can become chronic, leading to long-term disability and economic costs.
The Indian Psychiatric Society emphasizes the need for early identification, school- and college-based mental health programs, and destigmatization.
- Who
- Experts at the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS 2026)
- What
- 60% of mental disorders in India are diagnosed in individuals below the age of 35
- When
- January 28 to 31, 2026
- Where
- Yashobhoomi, Delhi
- Why
- Experts warn about the early onset of mental disorders and the need for early identification and treatment
- Conference
- 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS 2026)
- Date
- January 28 to 31, 2026
- Location
- Yashobhoomi, Delhi
- Percentage of mental disorders diagnosed below 35
- 60%
- Median age of onset for mental disorders
- 19-20 years
- Percentage of mental disorders beginning before age 25
- 62.5%
- Mental health treatment gap in India
- 70-80%
Sources
Experts flag awareness gap fuelling mental health disorders in young adults
60% of mental disorders in India diagnosed below 35, experts warn - Telegraph India
Shift focus to kids’ quality of life, says expert - Telegraph India
