The trend in hospital discharges for mental and behavioral disorders in South Korea from 2013 to 2023 shows considerable volatility. The peak in 2013 at a high value was followed by a significant decline in 2014, then fluctuating modestly through 2018. A more substantial drop occurred from 2019 to 2021, partly attributed to changes in healthcare practices and potential societal impacts. A large recovery spike in 2022 was followed by a slight increase in 2023, standing at 492.1 units per hundred thousand persons. The five-year CAGR from 2018 to 2023 was -0.97%, indicating an overall decline in this period despite short-term recoveries.
Going forward, the forecast trend from 2024 to 2028 suggests a gradual decline with a five-year CAGR of -0.68%. This indicates a continued slight decrease in hospital discharges for mental and behavioral disorders cases, with consistent annual reductions anticipated.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Changes in mental health policies and funding in South Korea.
- Impact of societal factors such as economic conditions, social isolation trends, and per capita income changes on mental health.
- Developments in telehealth and outpatient services as alternatives to hospital discharges.
