Mental health disorders rise in Dominican Republic and Mexico

Mental health disorders, specifically anxiety and depression, continue to rise globally and regionally. In the Dominican Republic, researcher Zoilo García of the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) noted that these conditions are increasingly frequent in socioeconomically vulnerable countries. He highlighted that mental health issues are growing at a rate exceeding conditions like cancer and diabetes, influenced by economic factors, social environments, trauma, and genetics.

In Yucatán, Mexico, psychiatrist Arsenio Rosado Franco reported that anxiety, major depression, and substance use disorders are the most prevalent mental health issues, affecting approximately 30% of the population. Among children in the region, anxiety is the most common disorder, followed by ADHD and conduct disorders. Experts emphasize that addressing these issues requires a holistic approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors.