Prevalence of psychosis in South Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Schizophr ResJul 21, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry
Roopal Desai, Zahid Abdur-Rahman, Ashley Boscoe et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prevalence of psychosis in South Asia, analyzing data from 31 studies across five countries. The pooled point prevalence among community-dwelling adults was found to be 0.85%, while the lifetime prevalence was 1.40%. Notably, clinical samples showed a higher prevalence of 11.44%.
Key findings
- Pooled point prevalence of psychosis in community-dwelling adults was 0.85%.
- Lifetime prevalence of psychosis was 1.40% across South Asia.
- Clinical samples exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of 11.44%.
- Inter-country differences were noted, with Nepal showing the highest prevalence at 2.90%.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence of psychosis in South Asia is crucial for health service planning and policy-making, especially given the region's significant population and the existing treatment gap for mental health disorders.