Mental Illness (cont.)
Can Mental Illness Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, most mental illnesses are caused by a combination of factors
and cannot be prevented.
How Common Is Mental Illness?
Mental illnesses are very common. In fact, they are more common than cancer, diabetes or heart
disease. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, an estimated 23% of
American adults (those ages 18 and older)—about 44 million people—and
about 20% of American children suffer from a mental disorder during a given
year. Further, about 5 million Americans adults, and more than 5 million
children and adolescents suffer from a serious mental condition (one that
significantly interferes with functioning).
Major depression, bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia
are among the U.S.'s top 10 leading causes of disability.
Mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect people of any age,
income or education level, or cultural background. Although mental illness
affects both males and females, certain conditions—such as eating disorders—tend to occur more often in females, and other disorders—such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD)—more commonly occur in children.
How Is Mental Illness Treated?
A mental illness, like many chronic illnesses, requires ongoing treatment.
Fortunately, much progress has been made in the last two decades in treating
mental illnesses. As a result, many mental conditions can be effectively
treated with one or a combination of the following therapies:
- Medication
- Psychotherapy
- Group therapy
- Day treatment or partial hospital treatment
- Specific therapies, such as cognitive-behavior therapy and behavior modification
Other treatments available include:
- Alternative therapies, such as water therapy, massage and biofeedback
- Creative therapies, such as art therapy, music therapy or play therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS)
What Is the Outlook for People with Mental Illness?
When diagnosed early and treated properly, many people fully recover from
their mental disorder or are able to successfully control their symptoms.
Although some people become disabled because of a chronic or severe mental
illness, many others are able to live full and productive lives. In fact, as
many as 8 in 10 people suffering from a mental illness can effectively return
to their normal activities if they receive appropriate treatment.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.
Edited by Amal Chakraburtty, MD, on March 1, 2007.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005
Last Editorial Review: 2/25/2008
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