Prevalence and coping strategies
As of 2021, an estimated 20 percent of Argentinians were experiencing symptoms of psychological discomfort related to anxiety and depression, a figure that has remained relatively stable during the last decade. The prevalence is higher among women, affecting nearly a fourth of the female population, as compared to close to 17 percent of men. When considering age, it is 35- to 59-year-olds, and 60- to 74-year-olds that are most affected, with 22.8 and 23.3 percent of the population presenting symptoms, respectively. Alcohol use disorders and major depressive disorders are the most common categories of mental health conditions in the South American country, prevalent in around two percent of the population, with an additional 0.76 percent of the population affected by drug use disorders.According to a survey carried out in 2022, the most common method of addressing mental health discomfort in Argentina is through communication with friends, with four in ten respondents reaching out for support within their personal network. Additionally, one in five people tend to rely on prayer, while a similar share has sought out professional help. In fact, more than two million outpatient consultations related to mental health were reported in Argentina in 2020. The most common category of mental health services in the country are appointments with psychologists, followed by general mental health appointments, and medical emergency services. It has been estimated that over three million users adopt mental health medications.