India launches NMHS-2 after nine years to assess mental health across all states, covering adolescents and adults post-Covid for policy and care planning
OdishaPlus Bureau
After almost nine years, the Union government has initiated a new National Mental Health Survey to evaluate the prevalence and impact of mental health conditions across the country. For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, the survey will extend its reach to all Indian states and Union Territories, marking a significant expansion in scope.
The survey, officially titled National Mental Health Survey–2 (NMHS-2), is being conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. Unlike the previous edition, this phase will include adolescents aged 13 to 17 years, along with adults aged 18 and above. The earlier survey conducted in 2015–16 was limited to only 12 states.
Findings from the previous NMHS highlighted the magnitude of mental health challenges in India. The 2015–16 data revealed that 10.6% of adults were affected by mental disorders, while the lifetime prevalence stood at 13.7%. Subsequent national-level studies suggest that nearly 15% of India’s adult population currently experiences mental health conditions requiring medical or psychological intervention.
The burden of mental illness has been found to be unevenly distributed, with urban populations reporting higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural areas (6.9%).
According to the Ministry of Health, NMHS-2 aims to generate state-wise and national estimates of key mental health conditions. It will also evaluate the degree of disability, measure the social and economic impact on individuals and families, and analyse care-seeking behavior and service utilisation patterns.
In addition, the survey will undertake a detailed mapping of mental health infrastructure and services available across states and Union Territories.
The scope of the new survey has been broadened further to include vulnerable and marginalised groups, such as children, women, senior citizens, migrant populations and tribal communities. It will also study the mental health consequences of climate change, natural disasters and displacement, areas that have gained importance in recent years.
Health officials believe that insights from NMHS-2 will play a crucial role in strengthening the National Mental Health Programme, improving resource allocation, and shaping future mental health policies, especially in regions that remain underserved or face higher risk.