Trends and burden of schizophrenia in Asia: Insights from the global burden of disease study 2021

Objectives Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder imposing a substantial burden worldwide. Understanding its impacts and trends in Asia is crucial for devising effective intervention. This study quantified the prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) rates of schizophrenia across Asian regions, examine their trends, and explore the relationship between socio-demographic index (SDI) and YLDs rates. Methods Data from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study (1990–2021) were analyzed by age, sex, region, and SDI levels. Age-standardized YLDs rates were assessed using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), while future trends were forecasted using the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model. The correlation between age-standardized YLD rates and SDI was also examined. Results Schizophrenia prevalence in Asia rose from 8.42 million cases in 1990 to 14.96 million in 2021, with higher rates in males. Incidence increased by 32.76%, and in 2021 schizophrenia accounted for 5.45 million YLDs, peaking in aged 35–39 years. Vietnam reported the highest age-standardized YLD rates, followed by China, Taiwan, and the Maldives. EPAC trends indicated rising burdens in Myanmar and the Maldives, while declines occurred in North Korea and Pakistan. A positive correlation between the SDI levels and age-standardized YLD rates was identified, with forecasts predicting a continued rise in schizophrenia-related YLDs in Asia over the next three decades. Conclusion The burden of schizophrenia in Asia has grown markedly over the past three decades. Urgent evidence-based policies are needed to improve early detection, ensure equitable access to mental healthcare, and reduce regional disparities.