Why America Should Take Mental Disorders Seriously Now

A new study has found that mental disorders like depression and anxiety are the most costly medical conditions in America. These latest findings are just another evidence of how vital it is to take mental illness seriously as a prevalent public health issue in the country at present.

Mental Disorders Have The Highest Health Care Cost

A new study published in the journal Health Affairs has found that America spent around $201 billion for health care on mental disorders like depression and anxiety in 2013. This estimated health care cost makes mental illnesses the most costly medical conditions in the country.

The recent study comprehensively assessed the cost of health care issues in America's general population and institutions like prisons. Falling far behind mental disorders are heart conditions with $147 billion health care cost, and trauma and injury with $143 billion.

"One key finding of this study is the degree to which spending on mental health disorders in 2013 exceeded those on all other medical conditions, including heart conditions, trauma, and cancer," researcher Charles Roehrig, founding director of the Michigan-based Center for Sustainable Health Spending, stated in the study's conclusion. "Spending on mental disorders tends to be underestimated in other sources because institutionalized populations are excluded."

America Should Take Mental Disorders As Serious Issues Now

According to the Huffington Post, it is very apparent that some Americans and even the medical community still lack sensitivity and understanding for mental disorders at present. In fact, some do not consider mental illnesses as serious issues.

The findings of the latest study are another proof that mental disorders should be taken seriously. Several studies in the past have already suggested that mental disorders should be recognized and treated as a prevalent health issue in America.

Research shows that almost one in four people will suffer a mental health condition at a certain point of his or his life, and this has been the leading cause of suicide in America. Data of the National Alliance on Mental Illness also projected that untreated mental disorders contribute to the estimated $193 billion annual loss of earnings in the country.

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