Effect of serious mental illness in US: Prevalence, cost and more

Of the estimated 52.9 million adults in the U.S. diagnosed with a mental illness, 14.2 million fit the diagnostic criteria for a serious mental illness, seriously affecting patients, the healthcare industry and more.

In the U.S., 5.2 percent of adults experienced a serious mental illness, and rates have risen every year since 2011, according to data from the HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

A breakdown of the prevalence of mental illness in U.S. adults:

More information on serious mental illness, using data from the American Psychiatric Association: 

1. Of the 14.2 million adults with serious mental illness, 34.5 percent did not receive treatment. Here is a breakdown of the reasons they provided:

• • 46.9 percent said they could not afford treatment.

• • 24.8 percent said they did not know where to go for treatment.

• • 23.7 percent said they thought they could manage their illness without treatment.

• • 19.9 percent were concerned about being committed to a psychiatric hospital and taking medication.

• • 19 percent said they did not have time to receive treatment.

• • 17.1 percent said health insurance does not pay enough for mental health services.

• • 7.6 percent said health insurance does not cover any mental health services.

• • 11.9 percent said they do not have insurance coverage.

2. The economic effect of serious mental illness in the U.S. is $317.6 billion per year. Here is how those costs break down:

• • Loss of earnings: $193.2 billion

• • Healthcare costs: $100.1 billion 

• • Disability benefits: $24.3 billion

3. Of adults with serious mental illness in the U.S., 3.6 million have a co-occurring substance use disorder. Here is a breakdown by age: