Health
Korea's mental health mortality far exceeds OECD average: report
South Korea has the highest mental health‑related mortality among OECD countries, with psychiatric patients facing significantly elevated suicide and overall mortality risks.
A government policy brief released Wednesday shows that South Korea recorded 6.9 suicides per 1,000 psychiatric patients within one year after hospital discharge, nearly double the OECD average of 3.4 per 1,000. The national suicide rate overall has remained stubbornly high, with South Korea leading advanced economies in suicides for years. Patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia face mortality rates several times higher than the general population, underlining a severe and persistent mental health crisis that demands stronger post‑discharge follow‑up and community support.
- Status
- active
- Location
- South Korea
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 20:49 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 20:49 UTC
- Source
- https://www.koreatimes.co.kr
- Connected threats
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- Not Available