A new study tracking the mental health of adults in the Gaza Strip suggests that psychological distress has tripled over the past five years, with a sharp increase following the conflict escalation in October 2023.

The research, published in eClinicalMedicine, analyzed data from 677 people aged 40 and older who participated in three household surveys conducted in 2020, 2023, and 2025.

Sharp rise in psychological distress

Results suggest that the proportion of adults experiencing high levels of psychological distress—such as depression, loss of sleep, feeling constantly under strain, and feeling worthless—rose from around 20% in 2020 and 2023 to more than 67% in early 2025. This increase occurred across all demographic groups, indicating widespread mental health challenges linked to violence, displacement, and infrastructure destruction.

The study is the first to provide data on mental health changes before and during the recent conflict. It highlights how pre-existing high levels of distress in the region have been exacerbated by war-related exposures such as multiple displacements, loss of homes, and limited access to health care.

Impact of displacement and recommendations

Notably, over 99% of participants reported experiencing at least one displacement event by 2025, with a median of four displacements per person.

The authors say these findings should serve as a crucial evidence base for policymakers and humanitarian organizations working to mitigate the psychological toll of conflict in Gaza and other war-affected regions worldwide.

They call for comprehensive, long-term mental health and psychosocial support services in Gaza, along with sustained international efforts to expand mental health services, strengthen community resilience, and support recovery efforts.

Source The Lancet