WILLEMSTAD - Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, are the most frequently diagnosed conditions in mental health services across the Dutch Caribbean. This is one of the key findings from the 2024 Caribbean Mental Health Regional Overview (Regiobeeld GGZ Caribisch Gebied) — the first joint report mapping mental health care across the islands.

The Dutch Caribbean Mental Health Federation compiled the data, offering the first integrated picture of nearly 8,400 clients who received care in 2024 on Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.

Key patient demographics

According to the report:

Most patients receive treatment on their home island 

56% of clients are women 

30% are under the age of 25 

Another 30% are 55 or older

Schizophrenia leads diagnosed conditions

Psychotic disorders — particularly schizophrenia — are the most commonly registered diagnoses. These are followed by:

Depressive disorders 

Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism 

Trauma- and stress-related conditions

The federation notes that differences in registration methods between islands may influence the numbers, but stresses that the data still provide a clear first insight into shared regional challenges.

Important step toward long-term collaboration

The publication marks a significant milestone toward sustainable, coordinated mental health care in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The report is intended to serve as a foundation for future structural monitoring, helping policymakers better align services with population needs.

But execution gaps remain

Despite the progress, the report’s implementation plan remains limited.

While it highlights the need for:

better data quality 

unified registration standards 

long-term monitoring

… it does not specify how these improvements should be achieved. No timelines, tools, or coordinated policy measures are outlined.

As a result, the regional overview offers an important first inventory, but not yet a concrete roadmap for strengthening or harmonizing mental health care across the islands.