 |
|
Mental disorders cost society billions in unearned income
May 07, 2008Major mental disorders cost the nation at least $193 billion annually in lost earnings alone, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study was published in the May 2008 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.
"Lost earning potential, costs associated with treating coexisting conditions, Social Security payments, homelessness and incarceration are just some of the indirect costs associated with mental illnesses that have been difficult to quantify," said NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel, M.D. "This study shows us that just one source of these indirect costs is staggeringly high."
Direct costs associated with mental disorders like medication, clinic visits, and hospitalization, are relatively easy to quantify, but they reveal only a small portion of the economic burden these illnesses place on society. Indirect costs like lost earnings likely account for enormous expenses, but they are very difficult to define and estimate.
In the new study, Ronald C. Kessler, Ph.D., of Harvard University, and colleagues analyzed data from the 2002 National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), a nationally representative study of Americans age 18 to 64.
Using data from 4,982 respondents, the researchers calculated the amount of earnings lost in the year prior to the survey among people with serious mental illness (SMI). SMI is a broad category of illnesses that includes mood and anxiety disorders that have seriously impaired a person's ability to function for at least 30 days in the year prior to the survey. It also includes cases of any mental disorder associated with life-threatening suicidal behaviors or repeated acts of violence.
Eighty-six percent of respondents reported earning income in the previous year. But those with SMI reported earning significantly less-around $22,545-than respondents without SMI, who averaged $38,852. Although men with SMI took a greater hit in earnings than women with SMI, men still earned more overall than women with and without SMI.
By extrapolating these results to the general population, the researchers calculated that SMI costs society $193.2 billion annually in lost earnings. The researchers attributed about 75 percent of this total to the reduced income that people with SMI likely earn, while 25 percent is attributed to the increased likelihood that people with SMI would have no earnings.
"The results of this study confirm the belief that mental disorders contribute to enormous losses of human productivity," said Kessler. "Yet this estimate is probably conservative because the NCS-R did not assess people in hospitals or prisons, and included very few participants with autism, schizophrenia or other chronic illnesses that are known to greatly affect a person's ability to work. The actual costs are probably higher that what we have estimated."
The researchers concluded by recommending that future studies on the effectiveness of treatments should consider measuring employment status and earnings over the long term to document the effects of mental disorders on a person's functioning and ability to remain productive.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
In the new study, Ronald C. Kessler, Ph.D., of Harvard University, and colleagues analyzed data from the 2002 National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), a nationally representative study of Americans age 18 to 64.
Using data from 4,982 respondents, the researchers calculated the amount of earnings lost in the year prior to the survey among people with serious mental illness (SMI). SMI is a broad category of illnesses that includes mood and anxiety disorders that have seriously impaired a person's ability to function for at least 30 days in the year prior to the survey. It also includes cases of any mental disorder associated with life-threatening suicidal behaviors or repeated acts of violence.
Eighty-six percent of respondents reported earning income in the previous year. But those with SMI reported earning significantly less-around $22,545-than respondents without SMI, who averaged $38,852. Although men with SMI took a greater hit in earnings than women with SMI, men still earned more overall than women with and without SMI.
By extrapolating these results to the general population, the researchers calculated that SMI costs society $193.2 billion annually in lost earnings. The researchers attributed about 75 percent of this total to the reduced income that people with SMI likely earn, while 25 percent is attributed to the increased likelihood that people with SMI would have no earnings.
"The results of this study confirm the belief that mental disorders contribute to enormous losses of human productivity," said Kessler. "Yet this estimate is probably conservative because the NCS-R did not assess people in hospitals or prisons, and included very few participants with autism, schizophrenia or other chronic illnesses that are known to greatly affect a person's ability to work. The actual costs are probably higher that what we have estimated."
The researchers concluded by recommending that future studies on the effectiveness of treatments should consider measuring employment status and earnings over the long term to document the effects of mental disorders on a person's functioning and ability to remain productive.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Disorder Current Events and Mental Disorder News RSSStrong link between obesity and depression
Doctors should pay more attention to the link between common mental illness and obesity in patients because the two health problems are closely linked, according to researchers at the University of Adelaide.
Traffic jam in brain causes schizophrenia symptoms
Schizophrenia waits silently until a seemingly normal child becomes a teenager or young adult. Then it swoops down and derails a young life.
Brain difference in psychopaths identified
Professor Declan Murphy and colleagues Dr Michael Craig and Dr Marco Catani from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London have found differences in the brain which may provide a biological explanation for psychopathy.
Schizophrenia does not increase risk of violent crime
A new study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet and the University of Oxford finds that the severe mental disorder schizophrenia only marginally increases the risk of committing violent crime.
Substance abuse factor in higher risk of violent crime by persons with schizophrenia
The increased risk of persons with schizophrenia committing violent crime may be largely mediated by co-existing substance abuse problems.
Impact of narcotics is greater on mentally ill
Narcotics have an irreversible effect on the brains of people already suffering from mental illness.
Decoding Funny Faces to Detect Disease
Like Russell Crowe's character in A Beautiful Mind, life is often difficult for the 2.4 million Americans with schizophrenia. A late or incorrect diagnosis and the lack of effective treatment options can destroy a sufferer's quality of life.
National rates of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders call for better service integration
Canadians are becoming aware of the prevalence of mental health issues and of substance use problems, but how well equipped are we to help the many people who contend with both?
Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths
Women with a history of serious mental illness are much more likely to have babies that are stillborn or die within the first month of life, new research reveals.
Study links primary insomnia to a neurochemical abnormality in young and middle-aged adults
A study in the Nov. 1 issue of the journal Sleep is the first demonstration of a specific neurochemical abnormality in adults with primary insomnia, providing greater insight to the limited understanding of the condition's pathology.
More Mental Disorder Current Events and Mental Disorder News Articles
 |
Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions by Michael Savage (Author) Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder- Michael Savage has the cure.
With grit, guts, and gusto, talk radio sensation Michael Savage leaves no political turn unstoned as he savages today's most rabid liberalism. In this paperback edition of his third New York Times bestseller, Savage strikes at the root of today's most pressing issues, including:
Homeland security: "We need more Patton and less patent leather . . . Real homeland security begins when we arrest, interrogate, jail, or deport known operatives within our own borders . . . One dirty bomb can ruin your whole day."
Illegal immigration: "I envision an Oil for Illegals program . . . The president should demand one barrel of oil from Mexico... |
 |
Living Well with Bipolar Disorder: A New Look Starring: Guilford Press Directed By: Monkey See Productions In this engaging video, six individuals of different ages and backgrounds candidly describe the impact bipolar disorder has had on their lives and the strategies they have learned for dealing with it. Produced in consultation with mood disorder experts Dr. Philip Mitchell and Dr. Meg Smith, the program provides an informative, optimistic discussion of the elements of effective clinical management. Viewers see how individuals can get and stay well by combining medication, counseling or psychotherapy, attention to early warning signs of relapse, and sensible lifestyle choices. The video's clear factual presentation, vivid first-hand accounts, and nonstigmatizing tone make it an indispensable resource. |
![Prisoners of the Brain: Breakthrough Studies in the Chemistry of Mental Disorders (The Infinite Voyage Series) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515g9F6N%2BnL._SL160_.jpg) |
Prisoners of the Brain: Breakthrough Studies in the Chemistry of Mental Disorders (The Infinite Voyage Series) [VHS] Also With: Steve Eder (Producer), Jolie Angel (Producer), Gregory Andorfer (Producer), Thomas Skinner (Producer), Jack Tillar (Producer), middle school high jr curriculum science scientifically dis order anti psychotic antipsychotic mind altering mindaltering drug effect on behavior health healthy fit think thinking mood attitude national academy qed 1987 1988 1989 1990 (Producer) How many Americans experience a serious psychiatric breakdown? One in seven people within any six-month period are affected by mental illness - a shocking statistic. This emotionally compelling program unlocks a scientifically complex issue facing our society. Links between brain chemistry and various mental disorders are revealed, along with key data on how and why anti-psychotic and mind-altering drugs affect human behavior. The quest for mental health is part of an even greater need of humans to rationalize free will, human responsibility, and what ultimately determines thinking and behavior. |
 |
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition (Text Revision) by American Psychiatric Association (Corporate Author) Since the DSM-IV® was published in 1994, we’ve seen many advances in our knowledge of psychiatric illness. This Text Revision incorporates information culled from a comprehensive literature review of research about mental disorders published since DSM-IV® was completed in 1994. Updated information is included about the associated features, culture, age, and gender features, prevalence, course, and familial pattern of mental disorders. The DSM-IV® brings this essential diagnostic tool up-to-date, to promote effective diagnosis, treatment, and quality of care. Now you can get all the essential diagnostic information you rely on from the DSM-IV® along with important updates not found in the 1994 edition. Stay current with important updates to the DSM-IV®: ... |
 |
Classic NGO & Governmental Mental Health Treatments Programs Films DVD: 1950's - 1960's Mental Illness Disorders & US Government & NGOs Health Care Films This compilation features films about the treatment of the mentally ill by government and not for profit organizations in the 1950s and 1960s. Table Of Contents: (1) Booked for Safekeeping (1960) - This police training film shows the proper way for the authorities to work with mentally handicapped people. The film details various mental illnesses and how to prepare the mentally disabled for treatment. This film also stresses the importance of learning patient's backgrounds and having constant medical attention available. George C. Stoney directed this amazing documentary which was filmed in New Orleans - 32 Minutes (2) The Inner City (1958) - This heart wrenching charity film shows how the United Fund cares for handicapped and orphaned children. It presents their stories in a very... |
 |
Interview Guide for Evaluating Dsm-IV Psychiatric Disorders and the Mental Status Examination by Mark Zimmerman (Author) Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. Pocket-sized quick-reference to the psychiatric interview for residents. Includes components of the full psychiatric evaluation and glossary. Trim size 6 x 4 inches. |
 |
4th edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition by American Psychiatric Association (Author) (APA Textbook For College and University Students) by by American Psychiatric Association Product Description The last 6 years has seen many advances in our knowledge of illnesses. The DSM-IV-TRV spans the bridge between DSM- IVV and DSM-VV to ensur e that the most relevant new information since the DSM- IVV literature review in 1992 was incorporated and to enhance the educational value. Specifically, new information on associated features, including asso ciated laboratory and physical findings, has been added for many of th e disorders. Sections on prevalence, gender/age/culture, course, and familial pattern have also been revised to reflect recent research fin dings. More comprehensive differential diagnoses have been incorporat ed for many of the disorders. |
 |
Mental Disorder Imago (Primary Contributor) |
 |
AD-Focus: Treats ADD and ADHD, The Common Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders in Children. by Biospec The Most Common Mental Health Disorder and Behavioral Disorder in Children Is ADD and ADHD; Half of these Children Carry ADHD into Adulthood! ADHDs Life Altering Symptoms: Restless, Behavioral Disorder, Unable to Focus, Easily Distracted, Forgetful,Mood Swings, Tantrums, Impulsivity, Slow Completing Tasks, Disorganized, Sensitive to Stress. Worse Yet: 40% with ADHD have learning disabilities and 50% have neurological disorders; MotorTic Disorder or Tourettes Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Anger Control Problems and Depression. Why Should You Treat ADHD Nutritionally? Refined foods low in vital nutrients and the exposure to toxic chemicals in our environment leads to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance that are associated with brain dysfunction. BIOSPECs AD-Focus:... |
 |
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, PDA/Win CE Software (EMAIL DOWNLOAD ONLY) by Skyscape |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |