Mental Health Statistics in Bangladesh: 2026 Report

Mental health is an important public health concern in Bangladesh. National research shows that a considerable proportion of adults and children experience mental health conditions, while many people who need professional support do not receive treatment.

This report presents Bangladesh-specific mental health statistics from recognized sources, including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

Important data note: Most national mental health prevalence figures currently available for Bangladesh come from the National Mental Health Survey of Bangladesh 2018–2019, commonly referred to as the National Mental Health Survey 2019. These figures should not be described as newly measured 2026 prevalence rates.

Key Mental Health Statistics in Bangladesh

Indicator Reported figure Data source
Adults aged 18–99 with a mental disorder 18.7% National Mental Health Survey 2019
Children aged 7–17 with a mental disorder 12.6% National Mental Health Survey 2019
Adults without mental health treatment 92.3% WHO summary of the national survey
Children without mental health treatment 94.5% WHO summary of the national survey
Mental disorders among older adults 28.1% National Mental Health Survey 2019
Mental disorders among men 15.7% National Mental Health Survey 2019
Mental disorders among women 21.5% National Mental Health Survey 2019

Estimated suicide deaths in 2021: 4,714; WHO Bangladesh, 2026 update
Adolescents aged 10–17 with a functioning difficulty in at least one measured domain: approximately 5% UNICEF/BBS MICS 2025

The figures above come from surveys or estimates conducted in different years. Interpret them according to their specific source year, age group, definition, and methodology.

Primary sources

WHO Bangladesh: National Mental Health Survey findings
Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists: National Mental Health Survey fact sheet
WHO: Bangladesh mhGAP Intervention Guide
UNICEF Bangladesh
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

Mental Health Prevalence in Bangladesh

What percentage of adults in Bangladesh experience a mental disorder?

The National Mental Health Survey of Bangladesh 2019 reported that 18.7% of adults aged 18–99 met the survey’s criteria for a mental disorder.

The adult survey included 7,270 participants. The reported prevalence was:

18.7% among adults overall
15.7% among men
21.5% among women
28.1% among people aged 60 years and above

The survey also reported similar prevalence levels among urban and rural adults:

18.9% among urban adults
18.7% among rural adults

These figures come from a national survey. They should not be interpreted as a live estimate of the percentage of Bangladesh’s population experiencing a mental disorder in 2026.

Source: Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists’ National Mental Health Survey fact sheet

Mental Health Among Children in Bangladesh

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported that 12.6% of children aged 7–17 had a mental disorder according to the survey’s assessment methods.

Children’s mental health needs can include emotional, behavioral, developmental, and psychological concerns. These may affect:

School attendance and learning
Family relationships
Social interaction
Sleep
Emotional regulation
Behavior at home or school
Confidence and daily functioning

A child’s emotional or behavioral difficulty does not automatically mean that the child has a psychiatric disorder. A qualified professional should assess the child’s age, development, symptoms, environment, and functioning before making a clinical judgment.

When should parents seek professional support?

Parents or caregivers may consider seeking help when a child experiences:

Persistent sadness, fear, or irritability
Major changes in sleep or appetite
Frequent unexplained physical complaints
Difficulties concentrating or learning
Repeated aggressive or disruptive behavior
Social withdrawal
Developmental concerns
Ongoing school refusal
Signs of self-harm or suicidal thinking

Understanding the National Mental Health Survey 2019

The National Mental Health Survey was conducted to understand the mental health situation in Bangladesh and estimate the prevalence of mental disorders among adults and children.

The survey is an important source because it provides Bangladesh-specific evidence rather than relying only on international estimates.

However, readers should understand several limitations:

The survey reflects the period in which the data were collected.
It is not a continuously updated national mental health monitoring system.
Different sources may summarize the survey using slightly different terminology.
Prevalence depends on the diagnostic criteria and assessment methods used.
The results should not be treated as a diagnosis for any individual.

The 18.7% adult figure and 12.6% child figure are reported in the Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists’ summary of the National Mental Health Survey 2019. WHO’s earlier public announcement of the survey’s initial findings reported 16.8% among adults and 13.6% among children. These were preliminary findings released before later survey reporting.

For accuracy, this article uses the later figures reported in the national survey summary and clearly identifies them as 2019 survey findings.

The Mental Health Treatment Gap in Bangladesh

One of the most important findings from Bangladesh’s national mental health research is the large treatment gap.

According to WHO’s summary of the National Mental Health Survey:

92.3% of adults with mental disorders did not receive treatment
94.5% of children with mental disorders did not receive treatment

A treatment gap means that a person may have a mental health condition but does not receive appropriate professional care.

This may happen because of:

Limited awareness of mental health conditions

Social stigma
Fear of judgment
Financial barriers
Shortages of qualified professionals
Lack of services outside major cities
Concerns about psychiatric medication
Difficulty finding the right provider
Reliance on informal or non-medical sources of help
Limited mental health services within primary healthcare

A large treatment gap does not mean that people do not want help. It may indicate that appropriate, affordable, confidential, and accessible services are not available to everyone.

Source: WHO Bangladesh: National Mental Health Survey findings

Mental Health Workforce in Bangladesh

The availability of trained professionals is an important part of mental healthcare access.

WHO’s Bangladesh mhGAP material reports fewer than one psychiatrist for every 700,000 people.

This figure illustrates the shortage of specialist mental health professionals in relation to the country’s population. It also helps explain why people may experience difficulty obtaining timely psychiatric assessment or ongoing care.

Mental health services may involve several types of professionals.

Psychologists

Psychologists may provide psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and support for emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns.

Depending on their training and professional scope, psychologists may work with:

Anxiety
Depression
Stress
OCD
Trauma-related concerns
Relationship difficulties
Child and adolescent concerns
Bipolar disorders
Emotional regulation
Personal development

Counsellors

Counsellors may support people dealing with emotional difficulties, life transitions, relationship problems, stress, grief, and other concerns.

Counselling is not necessarily the same as psychiatric treatment. The appropriate type of support depends on the person’s needs.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can assess psychiatric conditions and prescribe medication when clinically appropriate.

A psychiatrist may be involved when someone experiences:

Severe or persistent depression
Significant anxiety or panic symptoms
Psychosis
Bipolar disorder
Severe sleep or behavioral problems
Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms that may require medication
A mental health condition requiring medical monitoring

Readers can learn more through:

Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Bangladesh

Children and adolescents may experience mental health difficulties that appear differently from those experienced by adults.

For example, a child may show emotional distress through:

Irritability
Anger
Avoiding school
Sleep problems
Frequent crying
Difficulty following instructions
Changes in academic performance
Physical complaints without a clear medical explanation
Social withdrawal
Risk-taking behavior in older adolescents

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported mental disorders among 12.6% of children aged 7–17.

More recent child and adolescent data are also available through the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025, conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics with UNICEF and partners.

The MICS 2025 survey covered all 64 districts and included 62,980 households.

Its adolescent findings reported that approximately 5% of adolescents aged 10–17 had a functioning difficulty in at least one measured domain.

The survey also reported the following domain-specific figures:

Depression-related functioning difficulty: 1.9% among adolescents aged 15–17
Depression-related functioning difficulty: 1.3% among adolescents aged 10–14
Anxiety-related functioning difficulty: 1.7% among adolescents aged 15–17
Anxiety-related functioning difficulty: 1.3% among adolescents aged 10–14

Important distinction: MICS measures functioning difficulties. These results should not be treated as equivalent to a clinical diagnosis of a mental disorder or directly compared with the National Mental Health Survey’s diagnostic prevalence figures.

Source and interpretation

The MICS findings provide newer information about adolescent functioning and well-being. They do not replace the National Mental Health Survey’s diagnostic estimates.

For more information, readers can visit:

UNICEF Bangladesh
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

Mental Health and Older Adults in Bangladesh

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported that 28.1% of people aged 60 years and above experienced a mental disorder according to the survey’s assessment methods.

Older adults may face mental health challenges related to:

Social isolation
Bereavement
Chronic physical illness
Reduced mobility
Financial insecurity
Changes in family roles
Sleep difficulties
Cognitive changes
Loss of independence

Mental health symptoms in older adults can sometimes be mistaken for normal ageing. Persistent changes in mood, memory, behavior, sleep, or daily functioning should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Mental Health Differences Between Men and Women

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported:

15.7% prevalence among men
21.5% prevalence among women

These figures indicate a difference in the survey’s reported prevalence by sex. They do not establish that every mental health condition affects men and women in the same way.

Mental health experiences can be influenced by:

Family responsibilities
Social expectations
Economic conditions
Exposure to violence
Pregnancy and the postpartum period
Employment and workplace stress
Relationship difficulties
Access to healthcare
Willingness or ability to seek support

Mental health concerns should be assessed individually rather than assumed solely from a person’s gender.

Suicide Statistics in Bangladesh

Suicide is a serious public health issue that requires careful and responsible reporting.

In a September 2026 update, WHO Bangladesh reported that WHO estimated 4,714 people died by suicide in Bangladesh in 2021. This is equivalent to approximately 13 deaths per day when averaged across the year.

This figure is a WHO estimate for 2021. It is not a verified count of suicide deaths occurring in 2026.

Suicide prevention requires coordinated action, including:

Early identification of people at risk
Access to qualified mental health professionals
Crisis support
Safer communication about suicide
Reduction of stigma
Support for families and communities
Appropriate follow-up after a crisis
Restriction of access to highly lethal means where appropriate

If someone is in immediate danger, has attempted suicide, or may act on thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help from the nearest hospital, emergency service, or qualified healthcare professional. Call 999 for emergency help, +8801779554391 / +8801779554392.

Do not rely only on an online article or social media advice during a mental health emergency.

Why Mental Health Data Must Be Interpreted Carefully

Mental health statistics are not always directly comparable because studies may use different:

Age groups
Definitions
Diagnostic criteria
Survey instruments
Sample sizes
Data-collection periods
Geographic coverage
Reporting methods

For example:

The National Mental Health Survey reported diagnostic prevalence.
MICS 2025 reported functioning difficulties among adolescents.
WHO suicide figures may be estimates rather than complete registration counts.
A study of a particular group cannot automatically represent the entire population of Bangladesh.

For this reason, responsible mental health reporting should always identify:

The source
Year of data collection
Population studied
The definition used
Whether the figure is an estimate, survey result, or administrative count

What Do These Statistics Mean for Bangladesh?

The available evidence highlights several important challenges.

1. Mental health conditions affect a substantial part of the population

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 identified mental disorders among adults and children across Bangladesh.

2. Many people do not receive treatment

The reported treatment gap of 92.3% among adults and 94.5% among children indicates a major challenge in accessing mental health services.

3. Specialist resources are limited

WHO’s estimate of fewer than one psychiatrist per 700,000 people demonstrates the need for stronger mental health workforce capacity.

4. Children and adolescents need dedicated support

Children may require age-appropriate assessment and care that considers development, family relationships, school experiences, and behavior.

5. Newer data should complement—not replace—older surveys

The MICS 2025 findings provide newer information about adolescent functioning, but they do not measure exactly the same thing as the National Mental Health Survey 2019.

6. Mental health information should be evidence-based

Accurate reporting can reduce misinformation, improve awareness, and help people understand when professional support may be useful.

How Can Mental Health Services Improve in Bangladesh?

Based on the challenges identified in national and international evidence, several areas deserve attention.

Improve public awareness

People need accessible information about symptoms, treatment options, confidentiality, and when to seek professional help.

Expand community-based care

Mental health support should be available beyond major hospitals and metropolitan areas.

Integrate mental health into primary healthcare

Primary healthcare workers can play an important role in recognizing mental health concerns and referring people to appropriate services.

Increase the mental health workforce

Bangladesh needs adequate numbers of trained psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, psychiatric nurses, and other mental health professionals.

Improve child and adolescent services

Schools, families, primary care providers, and mental health professionals can work together to identify and support children early.

Reduce stigma

Respectful and accurate public discussion can make it easier for people to seek help.

Improve affordability and accessibility

Online consultations, community services, and geographically distributed clinics may help reduce barriers when clinically appropriate.

Where Can People Get Mental Health Support in Bangladesh?

People may seek mental health support from:

Government hospitals
Medical college hospitals
Specialized mental health hospitals
Private hospitals and clinics
Qualified psychiatrists
Qualified psychologists
Professional counsellors
Child and adolescent mental health providers
Reputable online mental health services

The appropriate professional depends on the person’s symptoms and needs.

For example:

Psychotherapy or counselling may be appropriate for emotional, behavioral, relationship, or stress-related concerns.
Psychiatric consultation may be needed when symptoms are severe, persistent, medically complex, or may require medication.
Child-focused assessment may be appropriate for developmental, behavioral, emotional, or learning-related concerns.
Urgent medical support is necessary when someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or harm to others.

MindSheba provides access to mental health professionals through online consultations and in-person services in Bangladesh.

Readers can explore:

MindSheba Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Counselling Services
Branches
Book a Mental Health Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of adults in Bangladesh have a mental disorder?

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported that 18.7% of adults aged 18–99 met the survey’s criteria for a mental disorder. This is a 2019 survey finding, not a newly measured 2026 rate.

What percentage of children in Bangladesh have a mental disorder?

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported that 12.6% of children aged 7–17 had a mental disorder according to the survey’s assessment methods.

What is the mental health treatment gap in Bangladesh?

WHO reported that 92.3% of adults and 94.5% of children with mental disorders did not receive treatment.

How common are mental disorders among older adults?

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported a prevalence of 28.1% among people aged 60 years and above.

Are mental disorders more common among women than men in Bangladesh?

In the National Mental Health Survey 2019, the reported prevalence was 21.5% among women and 15.7% among men.

How many psychiatrists are available in Bangladesh?

WHO’s Bangladesh mhGAP material reports that there is fewer than one psychiatrist for every 700,000 people.

What did the Bangladesh MICS 2025 report about adolescents?

The MICS 2025 findings reported that approximately 5% of adolescents aged 10–17 had a functioning difficulty in at least one measured domain. These findings do not represent clinical diagnoses of mental disorders.

How many people died by suicide in Bangladesh?

WHO estimated that 4,714 people died by suicide in Bangladesh in 2021. This is an estimate for 2021, not a verified 2026 count.

Where can I get mental health support in Bangladesh?

You can seek help from a qualified psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, hospital, clinic, or reputable mental health service. The appropriate professional depends on your symptoms and needs.

Is online mental health consultation available in Bangladesh?

Yes. Online consultations may be available with qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors. The suitability of online care depends on the person’s condition and the type of support required.

Conclusion

Mental health is a significant public health concern in Bangladesh.

The National Mental Health Survey 2019 reported mental disorders among 18.7% of adults aged 18–99 and 12.6% of children aged 7–17. It also identified a substantial treatment gap, with 92.3% of affected adults and 94.5% of affected children not receiving treatment.

WHO has also highlighted the limited availability of psychiatric professionals in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, UNICEF and BBS’s MICS 2025 provide newer information about functioning difficulties among adolescents.

These findings should be interpreted according to their source years and definitions. They show the importance of improving mental health awareness, early identification, professional services, child and adolescent support, affordability, and access to care across Bangladesh.

If you or someone you know is struggling with persistent emotional, behavioral, or psychological difficulties, speaking with a qualified mental health professional may be an important first step.

Note:

Medically reviewed by Sharmin Akter, Senior Psychologist| 11 years’ experience | MSc, Educational & Counselling Psychology – University of Dhaka | MSEd & BSEd, Special Education – Bangladesh Institute of Special Education

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sumaiya Nausheen Ahmed, Senior Psychiatrist | 10 years’ experience | MBBS – Mymensingh Medical College (University of Dhaka) | MD- Psychiatry

Mental Health Statistics in Bangladesh: 2026 Report