US Pharm. 2006;11:8.
Mental disorders are common. An
estimated 26.2% of Americans 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental
disorder every year (see
chart). Even though
mental disorders are widespread, the main burden of illness is concentrated in
the 6% of those with mental illness who suffer from a serious disorder. Many
people have more than one disorder at a time; about half of those with any
mental disorder meet the criteria for two or more disorders; severity is
strongly related to comorbidity.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and
bipolar disorder. Nearly 20.9 million American adults have a mood disorder,
which often occur with anxiety disorders and substance abuse. The median age
at onset is 30.
Schizophrenia
Nearly 2.4 million American adults have schizophrenia, with men and women
affected equally. Schizophrenia often first appears in men in their late teens
or early 20s and in women in their 20s or early 30s.
Anxiety
Disorders
Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and
phobias. About 40 million American adults have anxiety disorders, which
frequently occur with depressive disorders or substance abuse. Most people
with one anxiety disorder also have another anxiety disorder and typically
have their first episode by age 22.
Panic Disorder:
Nearly six million American adults have panic disorder. It typically develops
in early adulthood (median age at onset is 24), but the age at onset extends
throughout adulthood. About 33% of people with panic disorder develop
agoraphobia--fear of being in any place or situation where escape might be
difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack.
Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder:Nearly
2.2 million American adults have OCD. The first symptoms often begin during
childhood or adolescence; however, the median age at onset is 19.
Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder:Nearly
7.7 million American adults have PTSD. It can develop at any age, including
childhood, but the median age at onset is 23. About 30% of Vietnam veterans
had PTSD at some point. The disorder also occurs after violent personal
assaults (e.g., rape, mugging, domestic violence), terrorism, natural or
human-caused disasters, and accidents.
Generalized Anxiety
Disorder:Nearly
6.8 million American adults have GAD. It can begin at any age, although the
median age at onset is 31.
Alzheimer's
Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects about 4.5 million Americans, with the number
of affected Americans doubling since 1980. AD is the most common cause of
dementia among people 65 and older. Increasing age is the greatest risk factor
for AD. Symptoms typically appear after age 65. One in 10 persons older than
65 and nearly half of those older than 85 are affected. Rare, inherited forms
of AD can strike persons in their 30s and 40s. From diagnosis, people with AD
survive about half as long as those of similar age without dementia.
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