An Introduction to Mental Health

• What is the incidence rate of anxiety per 100 people?

  4.7
• What is the incidence rate of depression per 100 people?

  2.6
• What is the incidence rate of eating disorders per 100 people?

  1.6
• What fraction of people will experience mental health problems?

  1 in 2
• How did the percentage of adults accessing treatment change from 2007 to 2014?

  It increased from 24% to 37%
• What is the estimated increase in adults with mental health problems by 2030 compared to 2013?

  Two million more adults
• Which gender is more likely to be treated for mental health problems?

  Women
• What is the percentage of men in lower income households likely to have mental health problems?

  27%
• What is the percentage of men in higher income households likely to have mental health problems?

  15%
• How does city living affect mental health?

  Increases loneliness and depression
• How is hearing voices perceived in Western society?

  As a symptom of mental health problems
• How is hearing voices perceived in India and Africa?

  As a positive experience
• What are culture-bound syndromes?

  Syndromes occurring only in certain cultures
• How were eating disorders perceived outside the Western world for many years?

  Relatively rare
• Why are signs and symptoms of mental illness considered subjective?

  They are hard to measure accurately
• What did Jahoda suggest regarding mental health signs?

  To look for signs of mental health
• How many characteristics of mental health did Jahoda list?

  Six
• What is the impact of labeling someone as 'mentally ill'?

  It develops harmful expectations about behavior
• What is the preferred term to reduce stigma around mental health?

  Mental health
• What are the key statistics regarding the incidence of mental health problems?

  • Anxiety: 4.7 per 100 people
  • Depression: 2.6 per 100 people
  • Eating disorders: 1.6 per 100 people
  • 1 in 2 people will experience mental health problems
• What are the trends in treatment access for mental health from 2007 to 2014?

  • 2007: 24% of adults accessed treatment
  • 2014: 37% of adults accessed treatment
  • Estimated increase of two million adults by 2030
• What are the socio-economic factors affecting mental health?

  • Lower income households: 27% of men affected
  • Higher income households: 15% of men affected
  • Increased social isolation linked to city living
• How do cultural perceptions of mental health vary?

  • Western society: Hearing voices as a symptom
  • India and Africa: Hearing voices as a positive experience
  • Culture-bound syndromes exist
• What are Jahoda's characteristics of mental health?

  • Accurate perception of reality
  • Autonomy (independence)
  • Focus on health rather than illness
• What are the implications of labeling in mental health?

  • Creates harmful expectations
  • Preferred term: mental health
  • Reduces stigma associated with mental illness