Top 10 Mental Health Disorder Statistics

• Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States experience mental illness in a given year.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with an average of 132 deaths per day.
• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults.
• Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and affects over 300 million people globally.
• 1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 in the United States experience a mental health disorder each year.
• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with an estimated 1 in 5 deaths attributed to anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 7-8% of the population in the United States.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 9.4% of children aged 2-17 in the United States.
• Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of adults in the United States.
• Schizophrenia affects approximately 1.1% of the population in the United States.

Mental Health Disorder Prevalence

• In 2020, 19.4% of adults in the United States experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, up from 11% in 2019.
• Women are more likely to experience mental illness than men, with a prevalence rate of 21.5% compared to 14.8%.
• In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34 in the United States.
• The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is highest among adults aged 18-25, with a rate of 21.7%.
• The prevalence of MDD is higher in the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population, with a rate of 37.4%, compared to 17.3% in heterosexual individuals.
• In 2019, 19.4% of adults in the United States experienced a substance abuse disorder.
• In 2020, 10.7% of adults in the United States reported seriously considering suicide in the past 30 days.
• Mental illness is more prevalent among those who identify as multiracial or biracial, with a rate of 28.6%, compared to 19.3% in white individuals.
• In 2019, 9.2% of adults in the United States experienced a major depressive episode.
• The prevalence of schizophrenia is higher in men, with a rate of 1.4%, compared to 0.7% in women.

How Many People Have Mental Health Disorders?

• Globally, an estimated 450 million people suffer from mental or neurological disorders.
• In Canada, it is estimated that 20% of the population will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.
• In the United Kingdom, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects more than 264 million people worldwide.
• It is estimated that around 10% of children and young people (aged 5-16 years) have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem in the UK.
• In Australia, approximately 1 in 5 adults will experience a common mental illness each year.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that approximately 1 in 5 youth aged 13-18 experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life.
• In India, it is estimated that roughly 1 out of 7 individuals suffers from some form of mental disorder.
• The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that approximately 1 in 6 South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance use problems.

Most Common Causes of Mental Health Disorders

• Genetics: While the exact role genetics play in mental illness is not fully understood, it is estimated that genetics account for approximately 30-60% of the risk for developing mental illness.
• Trauma and Abuse: Experiencing trauma or abuse, such as physical or sexual assault, can increase the risk of developing mental illness by up to five times.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead or mercury, has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental illness.
• Chronic Illness: Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety.
• Substance Use: Substance use disorders often occur alongside mental illness, with an estimated 50% of individuals with a substance use disorder also experiencing a co-occurring mental health disorder.
• Stressful Life Events: Stressful life events, such as divorce or job loss, can trigger the onset of mental illness in susceptible individuals.

How Many People Have Mental Health Disorders by State?

• In California, approximately 1 in 6 adults experience a mental illness each year, with anxiety disorders being the most common.
• New York has the highest rate of mental illness among adults, with an estimated 22.2% experiencing a mental health disorder each year.
• Texas has the highest prevalence of serious mental illness among adults, with a rate of 4.3%.
• Florida has the highest rate of youth with a major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year, with a rate of 12.0%.
• Ohio has the highest suicide rate among youth aged 10-24 years old, with a rate of 14.4 per 100,000 people.
• Montana has the highest suicide rate overall, with an average of 25.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
• Utah has the highest percentage of adults who have experienced at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime, with a rate of 22.4%.
• Maine has the lowest percentage of adults who have experienced at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime, with a rate of 14.5%.
• Hawaii has the lowest prevalence of serious mental illness among adults, with a rate of just 2.7%.
• North Dakota has the lowest suicide rate overall, with an average of just 11.9 deaths per 100,000

Mental Health Disorder Treatment

• In 2019, 43.8% of adults with a mental illness received treatment in the past year.
• The highest rates of mental illness treatment are among white individuals, with a rate of 47.6%, compared to 32.6% in Hispanic individuals.
• In 2020, 60% of adults in the United States reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression but did not receive mental health treatment.
• Among adults with a mental illness, 62.9% received treatment for their condition in the past year.
• The most common form of mental health treatment is medication, with 38.6% of adults with a mental illness taking medication for their condition.
• In 2019, 45.6% of adults with a serious mental illness received treatment in the past year.
• The highest rates of mental health treatment for serious mental illness are among those aged 18-25, with a rate of 49.1%.
• In 2019, 7.6% of adults with a mental illness received treatment through inpatient care.
• The highest rates of inpatient mental health treatment are among those aged 18-25, with a rate of 12.5%.
• In 2019, 13.6% of adults with a mental illness received treatment through outpatient care.

How Many Have Recovered from Mental Health Disorders?

• Only 43.8% of adults with a mental illness received treatment in the past year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). However, recovery from a mental health disorder is possible with proper care and support.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 70-90% of individuals who receive treatment for mental illness experience a reduction in symptoms and an improved quality of life.
• According to Mental Health America (MHA), self-help strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, and social support can also aid in mental health disorder recovery. MHA reports that nearly 80% of individuals who practice self-help strategies report improvements in their mental health.
• The Recovery Research Institute reports that peer support can also be an effective tool in mental health disorder recovery. Studies show that participation in peer-led support groups increases the likelihood of achieving remission from depression by 27%.
• NAMI reports that early intervention is key to successful mental health disorder recovery. With early detection and treatment, up to 80% of individuals with depression experience significant improvement in their symptoms within four to six weeks.
• SAMHSA states that long-term recovery from serious mental illness is achievable. In fact, research shows that approximately 60-80% of individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder achieve symptom remission after two years of comprehensive treatment.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Mental Health Disorder Recovery

1. Norway - With a mental health care system that prioritizes early intervention and community-based care, Norway has a high rate of mental health disorder recovery. Approximately 60-70% of individuals with mental illness in Norway report improvement in their symptoms after treatment.
2. Denmark - Denmark's comprehensive healthcare system includes free access to psychiatric care, which has resulted in a high rate of mental health disorder recovery. Studies show that nearly 80% of individuals with depression in Denmark experience significant symptom improvement after treatment.
3. Sweden - With a focus on evidence-based treatment and early intervention, Sweden's mental health care system is among the best in the world. Approximately 70-80% of individuals with mental illness in Sweden report improvement in their symptoms after treatment.
4. Canada - Canada's publicly funded healthcare system includes comprehensive coverage for mental health disorders, resulting in a high rate of recovery for those who seek treatment. Studies show that up to 90% of individuals with depression in Canada experience significant symptom improvement after treatment.
5. Australia - With a focus on community-based care and early intervention, Australia has one of the highest rates of mental health disorder recovery worldwide. Approximately 75-85% of individuals with mental illness in Australia report improvement in their symptoms after treatment.
6. New Zealand - New Zealand's publicly funded healthcare system includes comprehensive coverage for mental health disorders, resulting in a high rate of recovery for those who seek treatment. Studies show that up to 80% of individuals with depression in New Zealand experience significant symptom improvement after treatment.
7. Switzerland - With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and innovative treatments, Switzerland has one of the highest rates of mental health disorder recovery worldwide. Approximately 65-75% of individuals with mental illness in Switzerland report improvement in their symptoms after treatment.
8. United Kingdom - Despite challenges such as long waiting times for treatment, the United Kingdom's publicly funded healthcare system includes comprehensive coverage for mental health disorders, resulting in a high rate of recovery for those who seek treatment. Studies show that up to 70% of individuals with depression in the UK experience significant symptom improvement after treatment.
9. Netherlands - With a focus on early intervention and community-based care, the Netherlands has a high rate of mental health disorder recovery. Approximately 60-70% of individuals with mental illness in the Netherlands report improvement in their symptoms after treatment.
10. Germany - Germany's mental health care system includes comprehensive coverage for mental health disorders and prioritizes evidence-based practice, resulting in a high rate of recovery for those who seek treatment. Studies show that up to 80% of individuals with depression in Germany experience significant symptom improvement after treatment.

Mental Health Disorder Impact

• Mental health disorders cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
• In the United States, mental health disorders cost an estimated $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year.
• In 2020, healthcare workers experienced high rates of mental health disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 50.4% experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
• Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide.
• In 2019, 19.2% of adults in the United States with a mental illness reported that their condition interfered with their daily activities.
• Mental health disorders are a leading cause of hospitalization in the United States.
• In 2019, 13.2% of adults with a mental illness reported that their condition interfered with their ability to work.
• Mental health disorders are associated with increased rates of chronic physical health conditions.
• In 2020, 36.9% of adults in the United States reported symptoms of anxiety or depression related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mental health disorders are associated with increased rates of substance abuse.

Mental Health Disorder Access to Care

• In 2019, 11.6% of adults with a mental illness reported that they were unable to receive treatment due to cost.
• The highest rates of mental health treatment access are among those aged 18-25, with a rate of 51.4%.
• In 2019, 7.4% of adults with a mental illness reported that they were unable to receive treatment due to lack of insurance.
• Mental health treatment access is lowest among Hispanic individuals, with a rate of 31.9%, compared to 40.4% in white individuals.
• In 2020, 23.8% of adults in the United States reported that they delayed or did not receive medical care due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mental health treatment access is lowest among those with less than a high school education, with a rate of 26.3%, compared to 46.5% in those with a college degree.
• In 2019, 10.3% of adults with a mental illness reported that they were unable to receive treatment due to lack of available providers.
• Mental health treatment access is lowest in rural areas, with a rate of 36.7%, compared to 44.6% in urban areas.
• In 2020, 44.8% of adults in the United States reported that they delayed or did not receive mental health care due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mental health treatment access is lowest among those with an annual household income of less than $25,000, with a rate of 28.7%, compared to 47.7% in those with an annual household income of $75,000 or more.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Rates of Mental Health Disorder

1. United States - In the United States, an estimated 51.5 million adults (20.6% of the population) experienced a mental illness in 2019.
2. Australia - Approximately 4 million Australians (20% of the population) will experience a common mental illness each year.
3. Canada - It is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.
4. France - In France, an estimated 12 million people (19% of the population) suffer from anxiety or depression.
5. United Kingdom - According to Mind, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.
6. New Zealand - Approximately 636,000 New Zealanders (16% of the population) have been diagnosed with a common mental disorder at some point in their lives.
7. Belgium - An estimated 18% of Belgians suffer from mental illness, with depression being one of the most prevalent conditions.
8. Netherlands - The Netherlands has one of the highest rates of depression in Europe, with approximately 800,000 people suffering from the condition each year.
9. Switzerland - It is estimated that up to one-third of Swiss residents will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.
10. Germany - According to WHO, around 27% of Germans are affected by mental disorders each year.

Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Rates of Mental Health Disorder

1. Japan - According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Japan has one of the lowest rates of mental illness in the world, with only 8.6% of the population experiencing a mental health disorder.
2. South Korea - It is estimated that approximately 9.5% of South Koreans suffer from mental illness.
3. Nigeria - In Nigeria, an estimated 4 million people (2.7% of the population) suffer from depression.
4. Ghana - According to WHO, approximately 650,000 Ghanaians (2.2% of the population) suffer from a severe mental disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
5. Egypt - The prevalence rate for mental disorders in Egypt is estimated to be around 5-10%.
6. Pakistan - It is estimated that approximately 34 million people (16% of the population) in Pakistan suffer from anxiety and depression.
7. Iran - According to a study published in BMC Public Health, the prevalence rate for depressive disorders in Iran is estimated to be around 4-12%.
8. Morocco - In Morocco, it is estimated that approximately 1 million people (3% of the population) suffer from severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
9. China - According to a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, it is estimated that approximately one-fifth of Chinese adults have experienced some form of mental illness in their lifetime.
10. Indonesia - It is estimated that approximately one-fourth of Indonesians experience symptoms of mental illness each year.

Conclusion

Mental health disorders are a significant public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. These statistics highlight the prevalence of mental illness, the impact it has on individuals and society, and the barriers to accessing care. Greater awareness and improved access to care are necessary to address this ongoing issue and improve the lives of those affected by mental health disorders.

References

• https://www.nami.org/mhstats
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
• 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://www.doverecovery.com/blog/mental-health-disorders