| Abstract: |
Increasing awareness of the influence of socioeconomic conditions on mental
health has brought this issue to the forefront of policy and research
agendas?not only within the healthcare sector, but also among economists,
policymakers, and fiscal authorities seeking robust economic evidence to guide
decision-making. Mental ill health imposes a substantial economic burden as it
leads to reduced productivity and greater demand for healthcare services. At
the same time, individuals facing economic hardship are more vulnerable to
mental health problems due to heightened exposure to adverse conditions such
as social exclusion, limited access to protective resources like education, or
through complex feedback loops involving poverty, the cost of treatment, and
employment instability. Following these hypotheses, understanding the
determinants of mental illness from the economic point of view is essential
for improving public health, enhancing quality of life, and informing policies
that promote population well-being. Emphasis should be placed on the need for
regional strategies aimed at the prevention and management of mental
disorders, particularly given the rising number of cases. This growing
prevalence highlights that mental health conditions should no longer be viewed
solely as individual issues, but as broader social challenges requiring
collective action. According to the results of panel data estimations the
paper states that regions with better valued health institutions and higher
health endowments have a lower risk and a lower burden of disease. |