4 ms·

"1 in 6 americans are medicated for mental health." - that is very high. What's causing Americans to have so many mental health issues? I don't have the stats

by sgt 9y ago

"1 in 6 americans are medicated for mental health." - that is very high. What's causing Americans to have so many mental health issues? I don't have the stats, but I cannot easily believe that this would the case in let's say Europe.

etrevino 9y ago
According to [this Guardian article](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/sep/05/third-europeans-mental-disorder https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/sep/05/third-europe...), a very large number of folks in Europe suffer as well. Less are treated, however. * The study referenced also includes neurological disorders, so we do need to be careful with the article's interpretation.
etrevino 9y ago
Did some more research. According to the EU [1] 27.4% of the population suffered from a mental disorder in the past year. It would not surprise me to hear that two-thirds or so of those were medicated, though I haven't actually found any numbers. [1] http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_determinants/life_style/mental/green_paper/mental_gp_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_determinants/life_styl...
rf15 9y ago
Remember that getting medication doesn't necessarily mean that there's actually something wrong with you when prescribing medications has a positive effect on your doctor's income.
- usernam 9y ago
  Indeed, the number seems disproportionate. But it can be possible depending on the definition of "medication". I'd expect the number of mental health issues with an underlying [known] physiological nature (say, bipolar, schizophrenia), and thus mediated with the proper treatment to be _very_ low. Mental health issues resulting from workspace, work, stress and in general lifestyle issues can still be medicated to help recovery, though the proper solution would obviously be a change in lifestyle. I've witnessed many people with depression. I can only speak for relatives for which I know the full story. When faced with the issue, at least here, you have two choices. The psychologist will talk you into a lifestyle change whenever possible. Going to a psychologist is still considered medication here, and it's covered by national health. When going to a psychiatrist instead, the medication (chemical) is almost always guaranteed. It's helpful to say though that no amount of medication fixes mental health issues related to workplace issues if the underlying cause is not removed. This is a very dramatic issue, as for some people with limited working experience (and thus unable to have a leverage), it's often insurmountable. I known relatives in this situation for 20+ years.

by sgt 9y ago

etrevino 9y ago

According to [this Guardian article](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/sep/05/third-europeans-mental-disorder https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/sep/05/third-europe...), a very large number of folks in Europe suffer as well. Less are treated, however. * The study referenced also includes neurological disorders, so we do need to be careful with the article's interpretation.

etrevino 9y ago

Did some more research. According to the EU [1] 27.4% of the population suffered from a mental disorder in the past year. It would not surprise me to hear that two-thirds or so of those were medicated, though I haven't actually found any numbers. [1] http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_determinants/life_style/mental/green_paper/mental_gp_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_determinants/life_styl...

rf15 9y ago

Remember that getting medication doesn't necessarily mean that there's actually something wrong with you when prescribing medications has a positive effect on your doctor's income.

usernam 9y ago
Indeed, the number seems disproportionate. But it can be possible depending on the definition of "medication". I'd expect the number of mental health issues with an underlying [known] physiological nature (say, bipolar, schizophrenia), and thus mediated with the proper treatment to be _very_ low. Mental health issues resulting from workspace, work, stress and in general lifestyle issues can still be medicated to help recovery, though the proper solution would obviously be a change in lifestyle. I've witnessed many people with depression. I can only speak for relatives for which I know the full story. When faced with the issue, at least here, you have two choices. The psychologist will talk you into a lifestyle change whenever possible. Going to a psychologist is still considered medication here, and it's covered by national health. When going to a psychiatrist instead, the medication (chemical) is almost always guaranteed. It's helpful to say though that no amount of medication fixes mental health issues related to workplace issues if the underlying cause is not removed. This is a very dramatic issue, as for some people with limited working experience (and thus unable to have a leverage), it's often insurmountable. I known relatives in this situation for 20+ years.