Mental disorders and third world nations?

Question

How much more or less do mental health problems take place in third world countries than they do in the USA? If less, could that mean that mental health problems are a result of social problems, and not chemical imbalances per say?

Answer 1

I think that people in 3rd world countries are trying to meet their basic human needs (food, safety and shelter etc...). They might have mental health problems but because they don't have a good chance at survival, they never get to the point where they can experience the symptoms of mental illness.

Also, they might be killed by other members of the community as they would llikely be perceived as possessed by bad spirits. Even if someone would have mental illness, it would be very low on the list of priorities, considering that food , safety and shelter needs are not met.