Prevalence and distribution of psychotic experiences in the Thai population: findings from the 2023 national mental health survey

Objective: To examine the prevalence and regional as well as demographic distribution patterns of psychotic experiences (PEs) in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing data from the 2023 National Mental Health Survey was conducted among Thais aged 18 years and older across six regions. Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of PEs were assessed using the Thai version of the World Health Organization-Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 (WHO-CIDI 3.0). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression, incorporating population weighting. Results: Among 4,160 participants, the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of PEs were 3.0% and 1.1%, respectively. Hallucinations (2.6% and 1.0%, respectively) were more common than delusions (0.7% and 0.2%, respectively). Significant differences in prevalence were found across demographic groups. The highest lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates were observed among those aged 18 - 24 years (8.2% and 3.7%, respectively) and the unemployed (3.9% and 1.6%, respectively). Geographically, the highest lifetime prevalence was in the southern border provinces (4.3%), while the highest 12-month prevalence was in the northeast (2.2%). Factors significantly associated with an increased chance of PEs (both lifetime and 12-month) included being aged 18 - 24 years, compared to 60 years and above, and unemployment. Living in the southern region, compared to Bangkok, was associated with a significantly lower chance of PEs. Conclusion: Psychotic experiences in the Thai population show significant variation by region and demographic group, particularly among youth and the unemployed. These findings highlight the need to develop mental health services tailored to the context of each area and at-risk group.