title: The prevalence of treated and untreated mental disorders in five countries.
abstract: We analyzed survey data from Canada, Chile, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United States to study the prevalence and treatment of mental and substance abuse disorders. Total past-year prevalence estimates range between 17.0 percent (Chile) and 29.1 percent (U.S.). Many cases are mild. Although disorder severity is strongly related to treatment, one- to two-thirds of serious cases receive no treatment each year. Most treatment goes to minor and mild cases. Undertreatment of serious cases is most pronounced among young poorly educated males. Outreach is needed to reduce barriers to care among serious cases and young people at risk of serious disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Crime Prevention and Sanctions, Research and Documentation Center, Ministry of Justice, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rob V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Bijl
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Graaf
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hiripi
authors.forename: Ronald C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kohn
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Offord
authors.forename: T Bedirhan
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Ustun
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vicente
authors.forename: Wilma A M
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Vollebergh
authors.forename: Ellen E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.forename: Hans-Ulrich
authors.initials: HU
authors.lastname: Wittchen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D019049:Developed Countries; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology