Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Meta-analysis of Voxel-Based Neuroimaging Studies using Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI)
Published on: November 27, 2019
[Are mental disorders increasing? Update of a systematic review on repeated cross-sectional studies]
1Fachbereich Gesundheit, Berner Fachhochschule, Bern, Schweiz. dirk.richter@bfh.ch
Background:
Throughout the western world, an increasing demand for psychiatric services is reported. However, a systematic review published in 2008 came to the conclusion that there is no sufficient evidence for increasing mental disorders in the recent decades.
Methods:
A systematic review on studies with repeating cross-sectional surveys in the general population, published since 2008, was conducted.
Results:
33 study results were included into the review. The majority of publications did not report increasing mental health problems in the general population.
Conclusion:
The increasing demand for psychiatric services is not associated with increasing mental disorders in the general population.
Related Concept Videos
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia