Mental Health Information:
Prevalence of Mental Illness
Research shows that mental illnesses are common in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year. Estimates suggest that only half of people with mental illnesses receive treatment. The information linked to this website includes currently available statistics on the prevalence and treatment of mental illnesses in the U.S. In addition, information is provided about possible consequences of mental illnesses, such as suicide and disability.
Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Mental health screening is not the same as diagnosis. Accurately diagnosing mental disorders requires years of education, training, and experience and should only be conducted by a licensed, certified highly experienced professional, such as Dr. Giordano.
What is Mental Illness?
Mental illnesses are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Such conditions may be acute or long-lasting (chronic) and affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, physical and relational well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.1 At every stage of life mental health is important, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same things. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Why is mental health important for overall health?
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. Mental illness, especially depression, increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.
How common are mental illnesses?
Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.
- More than 50% of US citizens will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
- 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
- 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
- 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
What is a mental health screening?
Mental health screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or an LCMHC) can give you a full diagnostic assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better.
Mental disorders are common. They affect more than half of all Americans at some point in their lives. There are many types of mental disorders. Some of the most common disorders include:
- Depression and mood disorders. These mental disorders are different than normal sadness or grief. They can cause extreme sadness, anger, and/or frustration.
- Anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause excessive worry or fear of real or imagined situations.
- Sleep Disorders. Sleep disorders lower quality of life and contribute to physical and mental health problems. Sleep disorders and lack of sleep are an under-treated threat to public health. Sleep professionals have recognized the behavioral components of sleep disorders for decades, yet most patients never get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Eating disorders. These disorders cause obsessive thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. Eating disorders may cause people to severely limit the amount of food they eat, excessively overeat (binge), or do a combination of both.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders in children. It can also continue into adulthood. People with ADHD have trouble paying attention and controlling impulsive behavior.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder can happen after you live through a traumatic life event, such as a war or serious accident. People with PTSD feel stressed and afraid, even long after the danger is over.
- Substance abuse and addictive disorders. These disorders involve excessive use of alcohol or drugs. People with substance abuse disorders are at risk for overdose and death.
- Bipolar disorder formerly called manic depression. People with bipolar disorder have alternating episodes of mania (extreme highs) and depression.
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. These are among the most serious psychiatric disorders. They can cause people to see, hear, and/or believe things that aren't real.
The effects of mental disorders range from mild to severe to life-threatening. Fortunately, many people with mental disorders can be successfully treated with medicine and/or talk therapy.
What is mental health screening used for?
A mental health screening is used to help determine if a further diagnostic assessment is needed. Your primary care provider may use a mental health screening to see if you need to go to a licensed clinical mental health counselor. A mental health provider is a healthcare professional that specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. If you are already seeing a mental health provider such as Dr. Giordano, he may do a Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis-5 to help guide your treatment.
Why do I need a mental health screening?
You may need a mental health screening if you have symptoms of a mental disorder. Symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder, but common signs may include:
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Extreme sadness
- Major changes in personality, eating habits, and/or sleeping patterns
- Dramatic mood swings
- Anger, frustration, or irritability
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Confused thinking and trouble concentrating
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Avoidance of social activities
One of the most serious signs of a mental disorder is thinking about or attempting suicide. If you or someone you know are thinking about hurting yourself or about suicide, seek help right away. There are many ways to get help. You can:
- Call 911 or your local emergency room
- Call a suicide hotline. In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- If you are a veteran, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or send a text to 838255
- Call your mental health provider or other health care provider
- Reach out to a loved one or close friend
What happens during a mental health screening?
Your primary care provider may give you a physical exam and ask you about your feelings, mood, behavior patterns, and other symptoms. Your provider may also order a blood test to find out if a physical disorder, such as thyroid disease, may be contributing to mental health symptoms.
If you are being tested by a mental health provider, he or she may ask you more detailed questions about your feelings and behaviors. You may also be asked to fill out a questionnaire about these issues.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for a mental health screening?
You don't need any special preparations for mental health screening.
What do Mental Health Screening Results mean?
Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A trained, experienced Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (such as Dr. Giordano) can conduct a full diagnostic assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better.
Contact Info
Dr. Louis A. Giordano, LCMHC, NCC, BCPCC
To contact Dr. Giordano, please go to his secure online appointment request
On the appointment request link, please leave your full name, date of birth, the type of counseling you are requesting. Also, please leave your mobile phone number, email address, insurance company name & alpha-numeric member ID.
Dr. Giordano currently has a waitlist for new patients, once the above information is provided, we will find a day and time to meet.
Helpful Resources
Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider
Help for Victims of Domestic Violence in NC
NC Domestic Violence Statistics
Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Eating Disorders, About More than Food
5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Disasters and other Traumatic Events