According to the Ministry of Health, 8,376 people in Azerbaijan were diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders (excluding substance-related conditions) in 2024. The figures, released by the State Statistics Committee in response to a request from Trend, reveal a stark gender imbalance.
Out of the total number of diagnosed individuals, 6,219 were men, while only 2,157 were women — nearly a 3:1 ratio.
The data highlights a concerning trend in the country’s mental health landscape, raising questions about underlying causes such as social stigma, lack of early intervention, economic pressures, and the reluctance of men to seek timely psychological support.
Experts say this gender gap may reflect both higher exposure to risk factors among men and cultural barriers that limit women’s access to mental health services.
Mental health professionals in Azerbaijan are urging for gender-sensitive mental health programs, improved public awareness, and expanded access to psychiatric services, especially in rural areas where resources remain limited.
