Treatment FAQ

what percentage of people with a mental illness go without treatment?

by Gregory Huel Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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In another follow-up of the ECA study data, it was established that 42 percent of individuals with severe mental illnesses (as defined by the NIMH Advisory Mental Health Council) were not being treated.Mar 18, 2014

Full Answer

What percentage of people with mental health concerns never receive treatment?

Between 30 and 80 percent of people with mental health concerns never receive treatment. From this analysis, the average non-treatment rates for specific disorders were: schizophrenia (32%), bipolar disorder (50%), panic disorder (55%), major depression (56%),...

How many people are affected by mental illness?

Although mental illness affects 1 in every 4 adults, only 36% of people with a mental disorder actually receive treatment. Approximately 1 in every 2 people diagnosed as having a mental disorder may suffer from multiple disorders. Let’s take a look at the various types of mental disorders.

Are people in need of mental health care Toughing it out?

52% of those in need of mental health care have tried to tough it out instead of seeking appropriate mental health care 46% would not know where to go to get mental health care for themselves or for someone else unless they had previously sought treatment. Check out our other articles about COVID-19 and mental health:

What percentage of people with schizophrenia get no treatment?

In 2010, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimated that 40 percent of adults with schizophrenia and 51 percent of individuals with severe bipolar disorder receive no treatment in a one-year period. NIMH also estimated that there are 2.6 million adults with schizophrenia (1.1% of the adult population) and 5.1 million adults...

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What percentage of mental health issues go untreated?

Mental Illness Policy Org estimates that close to half of all Americans with mental illness are not getting treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 51 percent of adults in the U.S. with bipolar disorder and 40 percent with schizophrenia were untreated during a one-year study period.

Does mental illness go away without treatment?

Mental illness does not usually go away on its own. It's not a phase your child will outgrow. Pay attention to the warning signs and ask questions.

What percentage of people with mental health receive treatment?

Summary. In 2019, 19.2% of U.S. adults received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months, including 15.8% who had taken prescription medication for their mental health and 9.5% who had received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional.

Do people fully recover from mental illness?

When managing serious mental illness (SMI), the recovery journey can be long and challenging. It often requires creative and prolonged efforts to build and maintain a full life, but many people do reach recovery. In fact, up to 65% of people living with SMI experience partial to full recovery over time.

What happens if you dont treat mental illness?

Without treatment, the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering. Untreated mental health conditions can result in unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, and suicide, and poor quality of life.

What is the success rate of therapy?

Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it.

What is the number 1 mental illness?

Depression. Impacting an estimated 300 million people, depression is the most-common mental disorder and generally affects women more often than men.

What are the statistics on mental illness?

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.

How many people with SMI received mental health treatment in 2019?

In 2019, among the 13.1 million adults with SMI, 8.6 million (65.5%) received mental health treatment in the past year. More females with SMI (70.5%) received mental health treatment than males with SMI (56.5%).

What is a serious mental illness?

Serious mental illness (SMI) is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.

What is mental health services?

The NSDUH defines mental health services as having received inpatient treatment/counseling or outpatient treatment/counseling or having used prescription medication for problems with emotions, nerves, or mental health.

How many people have SMI in 2019?

In 2019, there were an estimated 13.1 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States with SMI. This number represented 5.2% of all U.S. adults. The prevalence of SMI was higher among females (6.5%) than males (3.9%).

How many people with mental illness do not receive mental health treatment?

About 3 in 5 people ( 63%) with a history of mental illness do not receive mental health treatment while incarcerated in state and federal prisons. Less than half of people ( 45%) with a history of mental illness receive mental health treatment while held in local jails.

How many people in prison have mental illness?

About 2 in 5 people who are incarcerated have a history of mental illness ( 37% in state and federal prisons and 44% held in local jails). 66% of women in prison reported having a history of mental illness, almost twice the percentage of men in prison.

How much money does mental illness cost the economy?

Across the U.S. economy, serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year. 20.5% of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. have a serious mental health condition. 37% of adults incarcerated in the state and federal prison system have a diagnosed mental illness.

How many emergency department visits are there for mental health?

Mental illness and substance use disorders are involved in 1 out of every 8 emergency department visits by a U.S. adult (estimated 12 million visits) Mood disorders are the most common cause of hospitalization for all people in the U.S. under age 45 ( after excluding hospitalization relating to pregnancy and birth)

How many people have mental health issues in 2019?

3.8% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2019 (9.5 million people) Annual prevalence of mental illness among U.S. adults, by demographic group: Non-Hispanic Asian: 14.4%.

Is depression a cardiovascular disease?

People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.

The State of Mental Health

More frequent than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, mental illnesses affect over 450 million people worldwide and can be life-threatening, if only indirectly. By 2020, mental health disorders are projected to overtake all physical diseases as a more recurrent cause of disability.

The Dangers of Self-Medication

Self-medication as a treatment for mental illnesses is a house of cards. By seeking relief from your symptoms through the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol, you incur several risks capable of significantly harming your overall mental health.

Different Mental Illnesses

When it comes to treating mental health, there are a plethora of illnesses that could affect any one individual. Some of the most common mental illnesses include the following:

Why Mental Health is Important

Treating mental illness is imperative, especially as new revelations regarding this epidemic are coming to the surface. It is extremely dangerous to leave a mental illness untreated or unattended. If someone with a severe mental illness is not treated with the utmost professional care, it could spell danger for both themselves and their loved ones.

Behavioral Health Centers is Here to Help

Mental illness is something that affects many individuals worldwide, yet not many of them will ever seek out treatment. Many stigmas are surrounding the practice of good mental health, and many of these people don’t seek help because of the culture that views it toxically.

Which group of people was more likely to receive mental health treatment?

Women were more likely than men to have received any mental health treatment. Non-Hispanic white adults (23.0%) were more likely than non-Hispanic black (13.6%) and Hispanic (12.9%) adults to have received any mental health treatment.

How many people have received mental health treatment in 2019?

In 2019, 19.2% of adults had received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months, including 15.8% who had taken prescription medication for their mental health and 9.5% who received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional.

How many people don't get treatment for mental illness?

In America, 1 out of 5 adults suffers from a mental illness, but around 60% of them don’t receive treatment. It’s not uncommon for depression to occur with another illness or medical condition. 83% of bipolar disorder patients have a severe case.

How many people in the US don't have mental health?

Mental illness statistics in the USA show that 56% of Americans don’t receive mental health treatment when they need it, often because they don’t have access to mental healthcare. In 2018, police officers shot and killed 987 people in the US, around 245 of whom had serious mental health issues.

What are the statistics on mental health?

10 Key Mental Health Statistics Worldwide 1 In America, 1 out of 5 adults suffers from a mental illness, but around 60% of them don’t receive treatment. 2 It’s not uncommon for depression to occur with another illness or medical condition. 3 83% of bipolar disorder patients have a severe case. 4 Young people from the LGBTQ+ population are 2.5 times more likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety or have problems with substance abuse. 5 Mental illness statistics in the USA show that 56% of Americans don’t receive mental health treatment when they need it, often because they don’t have access to mental healthcare. 6 In 2018, police officers shot and killed 987 people in the US, around 245 of whom had serious mental health issues. 7 14.9% of children aged 4 and under whose parents had poor mental health develop a disorder themselves. 8 Women are more likely to experience depression during their lifetimes than men. 9 It’s possible for a patient to suffer from both depression and schizophrenia. 10 Mental health disorders are more prevalent than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

How do mental disorders affect relationships?

Mental disorders are greatly impacted by how firm and healthy our personal relationships are. For example, the rates of mental disorders are higher in children (especially teenagers) whose families are dysfunctional as a result of violence, low income, or a host of other issues.

How many people have mental illness?

Unfortunately, the reality is that millions of people suffer from some mental disorder (according to estimates, 44 million Americans).

How many war veterans have mental health issues?

According to data on war veterans’ mental health, statistics show that up to a third of soldiers who’ve been to Iraq and Afghanistan are affected by mental health problems—which can often lead to drug or alcohol abuse. Experts claim that the rationale behind these problems might be that they have difficulties adjusting to their normal lives upon returning from war zones.

How many people in Australia have schizophrenia?

The data suggests that this chronic condition is quite widespread in Australia (with around 150,000–200,000 patients suffering from it).

What chemicals are associated with mental disorders?

Several different chemicals have been associated with mental disorders including acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, gaba (gamma-amino butyric acid, norepinephrine, adrenaline and epinephrine. Levels of these chemicals are not properly balanced in people with mental disorders. Too much acetylcholine causes depression and too little causes dementia.

Why is there a chemical imbalance in the brain?

Studies have shown that there is in fact a chemical imbalance which is responsible for the development of many mental disorders. Scientists believe that this chemical imbalance affects the brains ability to transmit messages from one neuron to another neuron therefore affecting the brains ability to function normally.

Why do people not seek mental health care?

Let’s take a look at eight of the most common reasons that prevent people from obtaining needed mental health services: 1) Fear and shame. One of the most common reasons for not seeking help is fear and shame. People recognize the negative stigma and discrimination associated with having a mental illness and don’t want to be labeled “mentally ill” ...

What are the barriers to mental health care?

8) Practical barriers. Another common barrier to mental health care is inability to pay for treatment due to financial hardship or lack of health insurance.

Why are some of the more hidden factors challenging?

Finally, many of the more “hidden” factors (fear, shame, inadequacy, limited awareness, and hopelessness) are challenging, because the person may function fairly well on the surface and can generally conceal their mental health concerns.

Why do people worry about telling a stranger about their problems?

Many express concern about “telling a stranger” about their problems. Additionally, they worry that their personal information won’t be kept confidential. Some people have become demoralized by their mental health issues and believe “nothing will help me” or “I’ll never get better.”.

What happens if you don't believe you are sick?

If someone truly believes they aren’t sick, they feel no need to seek or accept treatment. A person may acknowledge some mental health concerns but can lack full awareness of their significance or really don’t understand they have an actual illness.

What are the factors that prevent people from getting treatment?

Not having reliable transportation, child care issues and appointments for treatment that conflict with work or school schedules can also prevent someone from engaging in treatment. Addressing the problem. Any one of these factors which delay or prevent appropriate care can be very difficult to overcome.

Does mental health insurance cover out of pocket?

The recent expansion in the US of mental health insurance benefits has opened up new care options for many people who were previously uninsured and who couldn’t afford to pay out of pocket for their treatment.

How many people have mental health problems?

1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness. Almost 1 in 25 adults live with a serious mental illness. 50% of chronic mental illness start before 14 years of age. 75% of chronic mental illness start by age 24. Just over 10 million people over the age of 18 have more than 1 addiction or mental health disorder.

How many people believe mental health is equally important as physical health?

76% believe that their mental health is equally as important as their physical health. 52% of those in need of mental health care have tried to tough it out instead of seeking appropriate mental health care.

What is the leading cause of death for people over the age of 24?

Clinical depression (or major depression) Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) Diagnosable mental health conditions like substance abuse disorder or depressive disorders are common among individuals who commit suicide. For individuals from 15 to 24 years of age, suicide ranks as a leading cause of death.

Why is mental health important?

Good mental health is the cornerstone to being a complete and healthy individual, and raising awareness is crucial in the reduction of the stigma associated with mental health issues and mental health care.

How many families have taken advantage of mental health care?

Only 14% of families have taken advantage of mental health care because of issues related to the pandemic. Between the military and their families, over 50% have looked for mental health care. In other surveys about mental health care, the Cohen Veterans Network found that:

What are the different categories of mental health?

The main classifications are: AMI – Any Mental Illness.

When does depression start?

For those suffering with major depression, initial onset typically occurs in the mid 20s. Annually, 26% of adults in America are personally impacted by diagnosable mental disorder. Each year, anxiety disorders are found in roughly 18% of adults aged 18 to 54, and include: Phobias.

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Key Findings

Women Were More Likely Than Men to Have Received Any Mental Health Treatment.

  1. Nearly one in four women received any mental health treatment (24.7%) in the past 12 months, compared with 13.4% of men (Figure 2).
  2. Women were more likely than men to have taken medication for their mental health (20.6% and 10.7%, respectively) and to have received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional (11.7%...
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Summary

  • In 2019, 19.2% of U.S. adults received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months, including 15.8% who had taken prescription medication for their mental health and 9.5% who had received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional. While the percentage of adults who had taken medication for their mental health increased with age, the percentage who had re…
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Definitions

  • Any mental health treatment: A composite measure of adults who reported having taken medication for their mental health, received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional, or both in the past 12 months. Race and Hispanic origin: Adults categorized as Hispanic may be of any race or combination of races. Adults categorized as non-Hispanic white …
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Data Source and Methods

  • Data from the 2019 NHIS were used for this analysis. NHIS is a nationally representative household survey of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. It is conducted continuously throughout the year by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Interviews are conducted in respondents’ homes, but follow-ups to complete interviews may be conducted over the teleph…
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About The Authors

  • Emily P. Terlizzi and Benjamin Zablotsky are with the National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health Interview Statistics.
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References

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Healthexternal...
  2. American Psychiatric Association. DSM–IV: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC. 1994.
  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Healthexternal...
  2. American Psychiatric Association. DSM–IV: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC. 1994.
  3. Eaton NR, Keyes KM, Krueger RF, Balsis S, Skodol AE, Markon KE, et al. An invariant dimensional liability model of gender differences in mental disorder prevalence: Evidence from a national sample....
  4. MacKenzie CS, Gekoski WL, Knox VJ. Age, gender, and the underutilization of mental health services: The influence of help-seeking attitudes. Aging Ment Health 10(6):574–82. 2006.

Suggested Citation

  • Terlizzi EP, Zablotsky B. Mental health treatment among adults: United States, 2019. NCHS Data Brief, no 380. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2020.
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