New research from Iran's Ministry of Health revealed that one quarter of Iranians have experienced at least one type of mental disorder over the past year.

“In Iran, there is no law that considers and addresses issues related to psychiatric disorders,” said Vahid Shariat, the President of the Iranian Psychiatric Association in an interview with ILNA news agency.

The latest data was gathered from a nationwide study conducted over the past three years by the Ministry of Health. Shariat said Iran lacks basic provisions for mental illness.

He criticized policymakers, the Ministry of Health, and the Welfare Organization for their neglect, saying, the limited and poorly implemented mental health support package offers only a handful of medications and psychiatric services.

“There is no political will to find solutions, and there is no receptive ear to listen to the problems of individuals with severe mental illness,” he said.