Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1185

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Mechanic D.
Is the prevalence of mental disorders a good measure of the need for services?
Health Aff (Millwood) 2003 Sep-Oct; 22:(5):8-20
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=14515877

Abstract:

Mental disorders are highly prevalent, but prevalence is different from need for treatment. Some mental disorders are a major source of distress, disability, and social burden, and many people who could benefit from treatment do not receive it. Need is typically self-defined or defined by clinicians who are motivated to bring treatment to those who could benefit. Defining need appropriately requires consideration of the duration and reoccurrence of disorder, associated distress and disability, and the likelihood that treatment will be beneficial. Demand may be promoted inappropriately by clinicians and drug manufacturers who profit from expansion of demand. Future assessments of need must be based on evidence and take into account priorities for care and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords:
Cost-Benefit Analysis Decision Making Drug Industry Humans Insurance, Psychiatric Mental Disorders/economics Mental Disorders/epidemiology* Mental Disorders/therapy Mental Health Services*/economics Needs Assessment* Physicians Prevalence Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Resource Allocation United States/epidemiology