WILLEMSTAD – For the first time, the mental healthcare needs of residents across the six Dutch Caribbean islands have been comprehensively mapped, revealing that psychotic disorders are the most common diagnosis among people receiving mental health services in the region.
The findings are based on data from nearly 11,000 clients and were presented during a meeting of the Dutch Caribbean Mental Health Federation, whose member organizations gathered on Bonaire earlier this month to discuss the future of mental healthcare in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
According to the study, psychotic disorders account for the largest share of mental health cases across the six islands.
The second most common group of conditions consists of neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder.
Psychosocial problems rank third. These include people experiencing severe emotional distress caused by financial hardship, family conflict, or other social pressures that significantly affect their mental well-being.
Mental health professionals say the findings provide the first large-scale, evidence-based overview of the region's mental healthcare needs and offer valuable insight into where resources and services are most urgently required.
During the meeting in Bonaire, member organizations of the Dutch Caribbean Mental Health Federation warned that the data underscores the growing pressure on mental health services throughout the region.
According to the federation, the findings demonstrate that closer cooperation among the six islands is no longer optional but essential to maintaining quality mental healthcare.
The organizations argue that sharing expertise, training, and specialized services will become increasingly important as demand for mental healthcare continues to grow while many islands face shortages of specialized professionals and limited resources.
The federation hopes the study will serve as a foundation for future policy decisions and encourage governments across the Dutch Caribbean to strengthen regional collaboration to improve access to mental healthcare for all residents.