PUTRAJAYA: Some one million individuals aged 15 and older were found to be suffering from depression, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023: Non-Communicable Diseases and Healthcare Demand (NHMS).
The survey found that the number of people with depression had doubled from 2019 to 2023, and was prevalent among younger age groups, specifically those aged 16 to 29.
“A total of 4.6% (one million) of adults in Malaysia were found to be suffering from depression,” it said.
The survey is an annual research activity aimed at gathering information on health and to determine the prevalence of diseases and related risk factors among Malaysians.
The data collection sessions were conducted from July to September last year, across all walks of life in urban and rural areas nationwide.
As for children afflicted by mental health problems, the findings showed that the number had jumped from 7.9% in 2019 to 16.5% in 2023.
“One in six children aged five to 15 in Malaysia have been affected,” it added.
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