75 Mental Health Disorder Statistics, Facts & Demographics

Top 10 Mental Health Disorder Statistics

• Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness each year.
• Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 264 million people.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with over 48,000 deaths in 2018.
• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults.
• In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
• Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of adults in the United States.
• Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world's population.
• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with up to 20% of individuals dying from complications.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 7-8% of the United States population.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 9.4% of children in the United States.

Prevalence of Mental Health Disorder

• Mental illness is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
• More than 50% of people with mental illness do not receive treatment.
• Mental illness can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
• The economic burden of mental illness in the United States is approximately $193 billion per year.
• Mental illness is more common among individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
• Anxiety disorders affect women at twice the rate they do men with an estimated 10-18% of men and 20-25% of women experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime.
• Major depressive disorder affects approximately 7% of the US population aged 18 years or older in a given year, while persistent depressive disorder affects about 1.5% of the same population in a given year.
• Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 2 million people or about 1% of people aged over 18 years old in the United States each year.
• Schizophrenia affects around 20 million people worldwide, affecting around one percent of the global population.
• Eating disorders affect around nine percent (nine out of every hundred) young adults aged between fifteen and twenty-five years old in the United States, with females being disproportionately affected by these illnesses compared to males.
• Approximately two-thirds (67%) of all suicides happen amongst white males aged forty-five years or older, making this demographic group particularly vulnerable to suicide risk factors.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 4.4% of US adults aged between eighteen and forty-four years old, with the condition more commonly diagnosed in males than females.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects around 3.5% of US adults each year and is more prevalent amongst veterans who have served in combat zones, with an estimated 11-20% of all veterans experiencing PTSD at some point in their life.

Demographics of Mental Health Disorders

• Approximately 21% of women experience mental illness, compared to 16.3% of men.
• Individuals aged 18-25 have the highest prevalence of mental illness, with approximately 25.8% experiencing a mental illness.
• Mental illness is more prevalent among individuals with lower income and education levels, with approximately 22.2% experiencing a mental illness.
• Approximately 46.3% of individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse have a mental illness.
• Individuals with a family history of mental illness have a higher risk of developing a mental illness, with approximately 39.2% experiencing a mental illness.

What is the Most Common Mental Health Disorder?

• The most common mental health disorder in the United States is anxiety, affecting over 40 million adults or roughly 18.1% of the population.
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the second most common mental illness, affecting approximately 7% of the US population aged 18 years or older in a given year.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 9.4% of children in the United States and around 4.4% of US adults aged between eighteen and forty-four years old.
• Bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of adults in the United States, while persistent depressive disorder affects about 1.5% of the same population in a given year.
• Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world's population.
• Eating disorders affect around nine percent (nine out of every hundred) young adults aged between fifteen and twenty-five years old in the United States, with females being disproportionately affected by these illnesses compared to males.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects around 3.5% of US adults each year and is more prevalent amongst veterans who have served in combat zones, with an estimated 11-20% experiencing PTSD at some point in their life.

What are the Most Common Causes of Mental Health Disorders?

• Genetics: Research has shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of mental health disorders. For example, individuals with a first-degree relative who has depression are two to three times more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
• Trauma: Traumatic events such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. Studies have found that individuals who experienced childhood trauma are more likely to develop anxiety and depression later in life.
• Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is often linked to mental health disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), individuals with substance use disorders are twice as likely to have mood and anxiety disorders.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as living in poverty, experiencing discrimination, or being exposed to pollution can contribute to the development of mental health disorders. A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that exposure to air pollution was associated with an increased risk of developing depression and schizophrenia.
• Chronic Illnesses: Chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), individuals with heart disease are at higher risk for depression and anxiety.

What is the Most Common Mental Health Disorder Among Adult?

• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults or roughly 18.1% of the population.
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the second most common mental illness, affecting approximately 7% of the US population aged 18 years or older in a given year.
• Bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of adults in the United States, while persistent depressive disorder affects about 1.5% of the same population in a given year.
• Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world's population.
• Eating disorders affect around nine percent (nine out of every hundred) young adults aged between fifteen and twenty-five years old in the United States, with females being disproportionately affected by these illnesses compared to males.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects around 3.5% of US adults each year and is more prevalent amongst veterans who have served in combat zones, with an estimated 11-20% experiencing PTSD at some point in their life.

Children and Adolescents

• Approximately 16.7% of children in the United States experience mental illness each year.
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by the age of 14.
• Suicide accounts for 11% of deaths among individuals aged 10-24.
• Children and adolescents with mental illness are 2 times more likely to have academic and behavioral problems.
• Early intervention and treatment can improve outcomes for 80% of children and adolescents with mental illness.

Specific Disorders

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects approximately 1-2% of the United States population.
• Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States.
• Borderline personality disorder affects approximately 1-2% of the United States population.
• Panic disorder affects approximately 2-3% of the United States population.
• Seasonal affective disorder affects approximately 5% of the United States population.

Death Rate Associated with Mental Health Disorders

• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with over 48,000 deaths in 2018.
• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with up to 20% of individuals dying from complications.
• Individuals with severe mental illness die on average 25 years earlier than those without mental illness.

Treatment Statistics of Mental Health Disorders

• Approximately 60% of individuals with mental illnesses benefit from medication as a treatment.
• Approximately 75% of individuals with mental illnesses benefit from psychotherapy as a treatment.
• Stigma surrounding mental illness prevents approximately 50% of individuals from seeking treatment.
• Engaging in regular exercise and physical activity can improve mental health in approximately 80% of cases.
• Mindfulness-based therapies have been shown to improve mental health in approximately 70% of cases.

Substance Abuse Link to Mental Health Disorders

• Approximately 50% of individuals with mental illness struggle with substance abuse.
• Substance abuse can worsen symptoms of mental illness in up to 75% of cases.
• Substance abuse is a contributing factor to the development of mental illness in approximately 30% of cases.
• Dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse) is present in approximately 50% of cases.
• Integrated treatment for substance abuse and mental illness is recommended in up to 80% of cases.

Mental Health Disorders Statistics In the Workplace

• Approximately 1 in 5 employees experience decreased productivity in the workplace due to mental illness.
• Mental illness is a leading cause of absenteeism and presenteeism, affecting up to 30% of employees.
• Workplace accommodations have been shown to improve outcomes for up to 80% of individuals with mental illness.
• Up to 60% of employees with mental illness report experiencing workplace discrimination and stigma.
• Implementation of workplace mental health programs has been associated with a 25% reduction in absenteeism and a 35% reduction in disability costs for employers.

FAQs

What is the definition of mental illness?

Mental illness, also known as mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect a person's mood, thinking, and behavior.

How common are mental illnesses?

Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness each year.

What are some common types of mental illnesses?

Some common types of mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Can children and adolescents develop mental illnesses?

Yes, approximately 16.7% of children in the United States experience mental illness each year.

What is the link between substance abuse and mental illness?

Approximately 50% of individuals with mental illness struggle with substance abuse.

How can workplaces address mental health issues among employees?

Workplace accommodations, implementation of workplace mental health programs and reducing stigma have been shown to improve outcomes for individuals with mental illness while reducing absenteeism and disability costs for employers.

How can individuals seek treatment for their mental health conditions?

Individuals seeking treatment for their mental health conditions can benefit from medication or psychotherapy as well as engaging in regular exercise and physical activity or mindfulness-based therapies.

Conclusion

Mental health disorders are a significant global issue that affects millions of people. Understanding the prevalence and impact of these disorders is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals with mental illness can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

References

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
• https://www.brightfuturesny.com/post/mental-health-statistics
• https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
• https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health
• https://ncdalliance.org/news-events/news/20-things-you-should-know-about-mental-health-today
• https://www.statista.com/chart/25620/prevalence-of-mental-health-issues-in-the-us/
• https://www.mainspringrecovery.com/blog/mental-health-disorder-statistics