Rate of Mental Illness is 'Staggering'

[Mara]

Rate of Mental Illness Is 'Staggering'
25% of Americans Have Mental Disorder at Some Point, Though Many Untreated, Researchers Say

June 1, 2004 -- A World Health Organization study released Tuesday shows that rates of most mental illness are far higher in the U.S. than in any other country in the world.

At the same time, the study indicates that money used to treat mental health problems in the U.S. and abroad is not being spent in the most effective way possible.

Overall, the survey of more than 60,000 adults in 14 countries showed a 27% rate of mental disorders in the U.S. population for a list of diseases. That list includes: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. The U.S. rate was substantially higher than that of any other country measured, including other industrialized nations such as Belgium, which showed a 12% illness rate.

More here: http://content.health.msn.com/conten...99740?GT1=3479

[moxiesurf]

Unlike macrobiotics, psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry have been booming businesses. The more popular psychiatry becomes the more mentally ill people are diagnosed. Just take a look at all the new disorders found in every revision of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A big part of the reason for the staggering rate of mental illness in the U.S. is due to the fact that public school psychological assessments find disorders in normal childhood behavior. For examples, students are told they have learning disorders or ADHD. Concerned parents want their kids to be 'normal' and avoid the develpoment of any more serious disorders, so they go for the pharmacological solution. Now a lot of those students are adults and grew up thinking that they have a mental disorder (this, coupled with the drugs, usually has a negative effect on their development and can in turn result in a mental illness). I grew up in the U.S and went to public school: I am not sure how I've stayed sane all these years!

[Mara]

I found the article interesting and thought it relevant for these forums.

I also think a certain factor in the increase in depression, anxiety and a number of other now-common disorders is the modern diet and way of life.
Potentially treatable with macrobiotics, of course.

Peace
Mara

[macroPsychotic]

I think it will take alot more than brown rice to keep us sane. Diet is definitely the foundation, but we spend alot more time not eating then eating, and our whole lifestyle must change most likely if we are to avoid insanity. What to change? Well Edward Abbey once said something to the extent that once all of the willderness is destroyed there will be no escape from insanity. So I think macrobiotics allows to enjoy everything around us, but if everything around us is poisoned, what is there to enjoy?