• Question: There has been a rise in mental health disorders, not just people getting diagnosed but a number of possible disorders you can get diagnosed with. Why do you think there has been such a dramatic rise?

    Asked by Notty to Andy, Diana, James, Mary Jane, Wil on 6 Mar 2017.
    • Photo: Andrew Jones

      Andrew Jones answered on 6 Mar 2017:

      There are a couple of reasons this might be the case.

      First, people may be more willing to disclose a mental illness as there is a lot less stigma now. Many people may suffer in silence or not understand that they may be suffering from a disorder.

      Second, an increase may be due to the increased stresses and strains of daily life. Particularly for depression, substance use and Anxiety. There is massive overlaps between these disorders.

      Finally, the criteria for diagnosing these disorders is constantly changing so it is difficult to compare year on year.

    • Photo: Wilhelmiina Toivo

      Wilhelmiina Toivo answered on 6 Mar 2017:

      This is a really interesting question. I think psychology has developed quite dramatically in this field over the past couple of decades – the knowledge of different disorders and understanding of their subtypes is increasing. This in turn, with the scientist communicating these findings to the public, increases people’s awareness of mental disorders, their causes and how they should be treated.

      It is easier for people to look for help than it used to be, and there is more help available, which can increase the number of diagnoses as more people seek help. On the other hand, increase in some disorders may be related to how the modern life is – for example, internet gives people easy access to things like online shopping or gambling, which are known to be quite addictive.

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