Mental Illness/Emotional Problems

Abstract

The cost of mental illness/emotional problems is both calculable and incalculable. We cannot affix a cost to the plight of millions of Americans who suffer from mental illness/emotional problems. We can, however, state how much it costs to care for these Americans. In terms of health and of cost, mental illness/emotional problems are probably the single greatest health problem of the American people. The Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) reports in its National Data Book (1980)³ that in 1978 national health expenditures were estimated to be $192.4 billion, representing 9.1% of the gross national product. Of this total, it was estimated that approximately $19 billion, or 9%, were expended for direct care (evaluation and treatment) of the “mentally ill.”