FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
s How many people experience mental illness?
Around
20% of adults are affected by some form of mental disorder every year. Anxiety
disorders affect around 14% of the adult population while depression affects
around 6% of the adult population every year. The remaining populations are
affected by substance abuse disorders, psychotic illnesses such as
schizophrenia, personality disorders, and other conditions. More so many people
have more than one diagnosis.
s How many people are disabled by mental illness?
Around 3% of adults experience psychosocial disabilities caused by the effects of mental illness. Some people are so severely affected by mental illness that it affects their ability to participate fully in society. Schizophrenia can be a particularly disabling condition for some: this is a persistent form of mental illness that affects approximately 24 million people worldwide (WHO).
Around 3% of adults experience psychosocial disabilities caused by the effects of mental illness. Some people are so severely affected by mental illness that it affects their ability to participate fully in society. Schizophrenia can be a particularly disabling condition for some: this is a persistent form of mental illness that affects approximately 24 million people worldwide (WHO).
s Does mental illness run in families?
Most people with a mental illness do not have any family members with the illness. For some mental disorders there does not seem to be a link at all. For others, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, a predisposition to the illness may be inherited – but even then, it is only one of the several factors. The causes are not fully understood. It is likely that such mental disorders involve a biochemical imbalance and can be triggered by such things as stressful life events, drug abuse, hormonal changes or physical illness.
Most people with a mental illness do not have any family members with the illness. For some mental disorders there does not seem to be a link at all. For others, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, a predisposition to the illness may be inherited – but even then, it is only one of the several factors. The causes are not fully understood. It is likely that such mental disorders involve a biochemical imbalance and can be triggered by such things as stressful life events, drug abuse, hormonal changes or physical illness.
s
Is mental illness life-threatening?
Mental illness in itself is not life-threatening. However, up to 15% of people seriously affected by mental illness eventually die by suicide (compared to an approximate figure of 1% for the whole population). Effective, ongoing treatment is essential to minimize the risk of suicide.
Mental illness in itself is not life-threatening. However, up to 15% of people seriously affected by mental illness eventually die by suicide (compared to an approximate figure of 1% for the whole population). Effective, ongoing treatment is essential to minimize the risk of suicide.
s
What are the chances of recovering from mental illness?
Most people with mental illness recover well and are able to lead fulfilling lives in the community – when they receive appropriate ongoing treatment and support. However, only about half of those affected actually receive treatment. Majority of people who develop anxiety disorders and depression improve over time with appropriate treatment and support.
Most people with mental illness recover well and are able to lead fulfilling lives in the community – when they receive appropriate ongoing treatment and support. However, only about half of those affected actually receive treatment. Majority of people who develop anxiety disorders and depression improve over time with appropriate treatment and support.
About 80% of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder also
improve with ongoing treatment and support. The long-term outcome for
schizophrenia can be better than many assume, especially where access to good
treatment is consistent. About 20% of those diagnosed have an episode or two,
then never experience symptoms again. About 60% improve over time and, with
support, can live independently. For about 20%, symptoms are more persistent,
treatments are less effective, and greater support services are needed.
s
What are the figures?
- Nearly half (45%) of the population will experience a mental
disorder at some stage in their lives
- During a one-year period, anxiety disorders will affect 14%
of the population and depression will affect 6%.
- Depression is one of the most common conditions in young
people and increases during adolescence.
- At least one third of young people have had an episode of
mental illness by the time they are 25 years old.
- Research indicates that people receiving treatment for a
mental illness are no more violent or dangerous than the general population.
- People living with a mental illness are more likely to be
victims of violence, especially self-harm.
- Mental illnesses are not purely ‘psychological’ and can have
many physical features.
- Anyone can develop a mental illness and no one is immune to
mental health problems.
- Most people with mental illness recover well and are able to
lead fulfilling lives in the community when they receive appropriate ongoing
treatment and support.
- Women were more likely than men to use mental health services.
- Approximately two-thirds of people with a mental illness do
not receive treatment in a 12-month period.
- It is estimated that up to 85% of homeless people have a
mental illness.
Information courtesy of SANE Australia and
World Health Organization
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