Study Reveals Low Effective Treatment Rates for Mental Health Disorders

A global study conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Medical School has found that only 6.9% of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders receive effective treatment, SciTech Daily reported. Analyzing survey data from nearly 57,000 participants across 21 countries over 19 years, the study identified a significant barrier: many individuals do not recognize their need for help.

Among those who do seek assistance, only 47% receive effective treatment after initially contacting the healthcare system. Key findings show that only 46.5% of individuals acknowledged their need for treatment, and just 34.1% sought help from medical professionals.

The study emphasizes the need for better training for general practitioners to diagnose and treat mild to moderate cases effectively. Dr. Daniel Vigo, the lead author, advocates for data-driven policy decisions to address gaps in mental health services and improve treatment outcomes for disorders such as bipolar disorder and addiction.