Andorra Launches Mental Health Observatory Amid 35% Rise in Treatment Cases

Andorra's health ministry has launched the Andorran Observatory on Mental Health, Drug Dependencies and Other Addictions, an online platform to centralize data and guide public policy decisions. Health Minister Helena Mas presented the tool on Tuesday at the sixth National Table on Mental Health and Addictions in La Massana, emphasizing its role in providing robust, reliable information aligned with international standards.

Developed with Andorra Research and Innovation (AR+I), the observatory is now available on the ministry's website. It covers substance and medication use, screen and social media addictions, gambling, healthcare resources, and social, educational and family impacts. Data draws from the National Health Survey, Andorran Health Services (SAAS), CASS and government departments, with sensitive information aggregated for confidentiality. Mas noted the platform will expand gradually, publishing only high-quality indicators.

Key initial figures show rising mental health needs. SAAS specialized services treated 4,973 patients in 2025—a 35% increase from 3,676 in 2022—including 1,208 minors and 3,765 adults. The Addictive Behaviours Unit (UCA) reached a record 886 users, up from 710 three years earlier. Alcohol led with 397 treatment requests (44.8%), followed by 170 mental health issues tied to substances, 126 cannabis cases and 81 cocaine cases, the latter showing an upward trend. Behavioural addictions totaled 23 requests, more than the five or six in 2022.

Other trends include tobacco use dropping from 52% of the population 35 years ago to 30% in 2024, though 18.2% of youth report high-risk alcohol consumption. Vaping among adolescents is also rising, prompting calls to adjust prevention campaigns. SAAS mental health staff grew from 53 in 2019 to 80 in 2025, aiming for 86 by year-end.

State Secretary for Health Cristina Pérez reported that the 177 suicide prevention hotline, launched in September 2025, has aided 170 callers—averaging 13 monthly, 64% women—and prevented five attempts. She shared these details at the same meeting. Officials said 86% of the Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Plan (PISMA) actions are complete, with remaining work on care pathways. Mas stressed the observatory's value in spotting trends and allocating resources, especially for youth.