Study shows mental disorders prevalent in 14 countries

Mental illnesses including anxiety disorders and depression are common and under-treated in many developed and developing countries, with the highest rate found in the United States, according to a study of 14 countries.

Based on face-to-face diagnostic surveys in the homes of 60,463 adults, the study found that mental ailments affect more than 10 percent of people queried in more than half the countries surveyed.

Rates ranged from 26.4 percent of people in the United States to 8.2 percent of people in Italy. While Nigerians appeared to have the lowest prevalence of mental illness -- 4.7 percent -- the researchers think the actual number is likely much higher since residents of the violence-prone West African nation may be hesitant to confide in strangers.

The most common ailments everywhere except Ukraine were anxiety disorders, which include panic attacks, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. In Ukraine, where unemployment is rampant as the country struggles with westernization, mood disorders including depression topped the list, Kessler said.

More: www.cnn.com...

26.4% of Americans!?! So does that mean that every fourth poster to this thread has a mental abnormality?

I remember something from a psych class once that economics plays a large role in "mental illness." It hypothesized that social groups who are occupied with survival have less time for personal introspection, i.e. I'm more worried about where my next meal is coming from and don't have time to have a panic attack.

Looking at the countries in the study with the US being one of the highest and Nigeria being the lowest, this hypothesis would appear to have some validity.

Great find Jonna!

Yep, 1 in 4...That means that if you look at 3 of your closest friends or family and they are alright, YOU'RE IT!

I came to terms with my own insanity a while ago, and now the voices in my head and I are great friends!

There are and always will be about 1 to 2 % of the world population who have some sort of mental illness.

But speaking to a doctor I know, his opinon is that our current lifestyle cannot be sustained by the brain. We cant handle the stress!

Well, my whole family, myself, all of my friends and most of my coworkers are not what I would call exactly well balanced and completely mentally healthy. It is not that we are all loony or anything, but everyone I know suffers from some form of post tramatic stress syndrome. I just thought that it was mostly only those that came into contact with me for some reason!

Originally posted by Jonna
26.4% of Americans!?! So does that mean that every fourth poster to this thread has a mental abnormality?

Is there any doubt this is true? This place is above the national average

I look around me, and I see people who are not well-adjusted in one way or another. Even pets.
Personally, I think I'm fairly well-adjusted, I just don't like being around people too much. Just not a great social animal.

Originally posted by DontTreadOnMe

Is there any doubt this is true?

This place is above the national average

I look around me, and I see people who are not well-adjusted in one way or another. Even pets.

Funny you should say that! One of my dogs has separation anxiety and is afraid of the dark! You know things are coming to a head when even your dog is neurotic!!

Originally posted by Bleys
I remember something from a psych class once that economics plays a large role in "mental illness." Great find Jonna!

......and denial plays a larger part in treatment of this illness-


denial that mental illness is a disease but a charter flaw, a personal weakness, corrected only by discipline; strengthening of character, punishment, social sanctions, etc

and personal denial of one's need for help because of the social stigma assigned and associated with treatment.

Originally posted by Jonna
26.4% of Americans!?! So does that mean that every fourth poster to this thread has a mental abnormality?

If you doubt this, get on any major freeway at about 5:00 p.m.

I'd say the current future outlook is a major factor upon society's mental health. If people view the world as hopeless and headed for an apocalypse, this can manifest into all kinds of mental deviancies.

I see most people are disturbed about the direction of society, but feel powerless to change it.
Some just can't handle the pressure and crack like eggs.

"More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly. "---Woody Allen