Mental Health Myths

"Misconceptions about mental illness contribute to the stigma, which leads many people to be ashamed and prevents them from seeking help," said Constance Lieber, NARSAD President. "Dispelling these myths is a powerful step toward eradicating the stigma and allaying the fears surrounding brain disorders."

Can you identify the Top 10 Myths About Mental Illness Based on NARSAD's Nationwide Survey?

"These misconceptions can do irreparable harm to people with legitimate illnesses who should and can be treated," said Herbert Pardes, M.D., President of NARSAD’s Scientific Council.

"Research in brain disorders is flourishing, and we expect to see new and better treatments that will have the power to change lives and bring hope to many," said Lieber.

One in five Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental illness in a given year. But statistics show that only one-third of these individuals seek treatment.

Four of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide are mental disorders. Among developed nations, including the United States, major depression is the leading cause of disability. Also near the top of these rankings are manic-depressive illness, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The direct cost of mental health services, which includes spending for treatment and rehabilitation, is approximately $69 billion in the United States. Indirect costs, which refer to lost productivity at the workplace, school, and home, are estimated at $78.6 billion.

NARSAD is the leading donor-supported organization funding research in brain disorders. Since 1987, NARSAD has awarded $115.9 million in grants to 1,372 scientists at 175 leading universities and research centers worldwide. Grantees are chosen by NARSAD’s Scientific Review Council, which is composed of 72 prominent scientists and academic leaders in all phases of neurobiological and psychiatric research.

The American Institute of Philanthropy, which rates charities nationwide, has awarded NARSAD an A+ for financial efficiency. For more information, visit www.narsad.org.

1. Myth. The actual fact is that brain disorders, like heart disease and diabetes, are legitimate medical illnesses. Research shows there are genetic and biological causes for psychiatric disorders, and they can be treated effectively.

2. Myth. The truth is that the incidence of violence in people who have a brain disorder is not much higher than it is in the general population. Those suffering from a psychosis such as schizophrenia are more often frightened, confused and despairing than violent.

3. Fact. Most experts agree that a genetic susceptibility, combined with other risk factors, leads to a psychiatric disorder. In other words, mental illnesses have a physical cause.

4. Fact. Some people think that depression is a result of character flaws or personality weaknesses, and that depressed people could just snap out of it if they really wanted to. We know now that depression has nothing to do with being lazy or weak. It results from changes in brain chemistry or brain function, and medication and/or psychotherapy often help people to recover.

5. Myth. Schizophrenia is often confused with multiple personality disorder. Actually, schizophrenia is a brain disorder that robs people of their ability to think clearly and logically. The estimated 2.5 million Americans with schizophrenia have symptoms ranging from social withdrawal to hallucinations and delusions. Medication has helped many of these individuals to lead fulfilling, productive lives.

6. Fact. It is not normal for older adults to be depressed. Signs of depression in older people include loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances and lethargy. Depression in the elderly is often undiagnosed, and it is important for seniors and their family members to recognize the problem and seek professional help.

7. Myth. Children and adolescents can develop severe mental illnesses. In the United States, one in ten children and adolescents has a mental disorder severe enough to cause impairment. However, only about 20 percent of these children receive needed treatment. Left untreated, these problems can get worse. Anyone talking about suicide should be taken very seriously.

8. Fact. You can't just make a mental illness go away because you want it to. Ignoring it doesn't make it go away either. Serious mental illnesses require professional help, which could include medicine, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.

9. Myth. Addiction is a disease that generally results from changes in brain chemistry. It has nothing to do with being a "bad" person.

10. Myth. Modern ECT has given a new lease on life to many people who suffer from severe and debilitating depression. It is used when other treatments such as psychotherapy or medication fail or cannot be used. Patients who receive ECT are asleep and under anesthesia, so they do not feel anything.

How did you do on the quiz? Here's how to evaluate your score:

9-10:	Excellent. You are up to date on most facts about mental illness.
7-8:	Good. You have a good handle on the facts, and you can get even better with some study.
5-6:	Average. You can use some more up to date information, but you still know more than half of all Americans.
3-4:	Fair. You have a few facts right, but you should educate yourself more about what mental illness is all about.
0-2:	Poor. Looks like you have a lot of work to do in understanding what mental illness is about. You can learn more about specific illnesses by browsing through the links below.

Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis	1905 S. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63104 314-773-1399 Info@mhagstl.org	The Mental Health Association is a United Way Agency. Click on the picture to go to the United Way website.