Posada-Villa has compared data from Mexico and Colombia, two countries that, according to the World Bank, are on the same level of development and share a similar demography and history.
The results of the research show a significant difference between the two countries where it comes to mental disorders. 40 percent of the Colombians suffer from some form of mental disorder, while only 28 percent of the Mexicans suffer something similar.19 percent of the Colombians suffer anxiety attacks. The average in Mexico for the same ailment is only 14 percent. The relative difference for mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder is even bigger. 15 percent of the Colombians are reported to suffer from a mood disorder, while only 9 percent of the Mexicans do.Posada-Villa blames the decades long armed conflict for the high percentage of mental disorders in Colombia. The psychiatrist also stresses the resilience a people can have. The people of Colombia may end up being stronger, once the conflict comes to an end, Posada-Villa says.
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