Understanding Disorders

Human beings are exceedingly complex, and their lives can become even more complex when influenced by a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder.

• Mental health disorders affect one in four adults (nearly 58 million Americans) each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
• Ten percent of children and adolescents suffer from serious emotional and mental disorders, reports the U.S. Surgeon General.
• Most mental health disorders begin in childhood or early adolescence, turning into more severe, harder to manage illnesses if left untreated.
• Nearly half of people with one mental disorder meet the criteria for two or more disorders.
• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are more likely to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, while men have higher rates of substance use disorders and impulse disorders.
• Only about half of teens with severe mental disorders ever receive treatment. Teens with anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse disorders are less likely to receive treatment than those with ADHD or behavior disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
• On average, people wait 5 to 10 years before seeking mental health treatment. Some delay treatment for as long as 25 years, often with devastating consequences.

Mental and behavioral disorders don’t have to control your life. With the right treatment methods you can live a healthy, happy, productive life.

 

Adapted from: CRC Health – Addiction Treatment Centers, http://www.crchealth.com/
National Institute of Mental Health, http://www.nmha.org.