Mental illness
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Understanding Mental Illness: Public Perceptions, Global Burden, and Workplace Implications
Public Perceptions of Mental Illness: Labels, Causes, and Social Distance
Public understanding of mental illness has evolved significantly over the decades. A nationwide survey revealed that a majority of the public can identify conditions like schizophrenia (88%) and major depression (69%) as mental illnesses. However, fewer people associate alcohol (49%) or drug (44%) abuse with mental illness. Despite increased recognition, mental illness is still strongly linked with fears of violence and a desire for social distance, which negatively impacts those affected 1. Historical comparisons show that while definitions of mental illness have broadened to include more non-psychotic disorders, the perception of mentally ill individuals as violent has increased, particularly among those who associate mental illness with psychosis 7.
Lay Definitions and Conceptual Frameworks
Lay definitions of mental illness often intertwine with personal experiences and cultural contexts. In-depth interviews reveal that people associate the mind with concepts like thinking, intelligence, and the brain, while the soul is linked to emotions, nerves, balance, and mood. These definitions often align with a bio-medical model, emphasizing biological and psychological health 2. The statement "mental illness is like any other medical illness" has gained traction, promoting the idea that mental illnesses have a biological basis similar to physical illnesses. This perspective aims to improve public acceptance and treatment adherence but requires critical examination to ensure it aligns with clinical realities and public perceptions 4.
Global Burden of Mental Illness
The global burden of mental illness is significantly underestimated. Mental illnesses account for 32.4% of years lived with disability (YLDs) and 13.0% of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), making them a leading cause of global disease burden. This underestimation stems from factors like the overlap between psychiatric and neurological disorders and the exclusion of personality disorders from disease burden calculations. Addressing this underestimation is crucial for mitigating the human, social, and economic costs of mental illness 3.
Severe Mental Illness: Challenges and Treatment
Severe mental illnesses, characterized by persistence and extensive disability, pose significant treatment challenges. Psychological factors, particularly stress, play a crucial role in managing relapses. Despite advancements in psychopharmacological treatments, psychosocial interventions remain essential. Patients with severe mental illnesses often exhibit noncompliance and behaviors that increase their risk for other health issues, such as HIV. Progress in developing effective treatments has been slow but promising 5.
Mental Illness in the Workplace
Mental illness in the workplace is a critical issue, affecting performance, employment, and career outcomes. A systematic review highlights the need for organizational strategies to support employees with mental illness. Conceptualizing mental illness as a social identity can help address discriminatory outcomes and improve workplace inclusion. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive models that account for individual, organizational, and societal perspectives 6.
Conclusion
Understanding mental illness requires a multifaceted approach that considers public perceptions, the global burden, and workplace implications. While public recognition of mental illness has improved, stereotypes and social distance persist. Addressing the underestimated global burden and supporting individuals in the workplace are essential steps toward mitigating the impact of mental illness. Continued research and critical examination of existing frameworks will enhance our ability to support and advocate for those affected by mental illnesses.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Public conceptions of mental illness: labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance.
The majority of the public recognizes schizophrenia and major depression as mental illnesses, but stereotypes of dangerousness and desire for social distance persist, potentially negatively impacting those with mental illness.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Highly CitedMENTAL ILLNESS
Individuals define mental illness as a problem with the mind and its components, while focusing on the body's bio-medical model for mental health.
Estimating the true global burden of mental illness.
Mental illness is underestimated, accounting for 32.4% of years lived with disability and 13 percent of disability-adjusted life years, placing it in the top three global burdens of disease.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited"Mental illness is like any other medical illness": a critical examination of the statement and its impact on patient care and society.
Mental illness is not like any other medical illness, and presenting a dominant neurobiological model of mental illness may not be appropriate for patients, their families, and the public at large.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedOverview of severe mental illness.
Severe mental illnesses are complex, persistent, and often difficult to treat, with biological origins and psychological factors playing a key role in relapse management.
Mental Illness in the Workplace: An Interdisciplinary Review and Organizational Research Agenda
Employees with mental illness experience performance, employment, career, and discriminatory outcomes in the workplace, and individual and organizational strategies can moderate these effects.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedPublic conceptions of mental illness in 1950 and 1996: What is mental illness and is it to be feared?
Public conceptions of mental illness have broadened, but perceptions of mentally ill people as violent or frightening have increased, particularly among those viewing psychosis as violent.
Observational StudyHighly CitedMental illness surveillance among adults in the United States.
Mental illness prevalence in the U.S. is 6.8%, with higher rates in southeastern states, and increasing access to mental health treatment services could reduce associated morbidity.
Highly CitedReliability of the Term "Serious Mental Illness": A Systematic Review.
The term "serious mental illness" lacks a consistent definition and generalizability, highlighting the need for precise and agreed-upon diagnostic language in support and advocacy efforts for mental illnesses.
Systematic ReviewMentally Sick or Not—(Bio)Markers of Psychiatric Disorders Needed
(Bio)markers are needed to accurately diagnose psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders, and to help determine if individuals are mentally healthy or not.
Rigorous Journal