Depression is a frequent and serious complication of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States and worldwide, according to a recent study by the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and Harvard University. Anxiety disorders are frequently complicated by depression, eating disorders, or substance abuse. Many people have more than one anxiety disorder. It is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds.
Men are more than four times as likely as women to commit suicide.
Social phobia begins in childhood or early adolescence and is often accompanied by depression and may lead to alcohol or other drug abuse. Boys are affected two to three times more often than girls. ADHD adversely affects success at school, work, and social relationships. As they grow older, children with untreated ADHD who have a coexisting conduct disorder often experience drug abuse, antisocial behavior, teenage pregnancy, and injuries of all sorts. The National Institute of Mental Health, as mandated by its mission, supports basic, clinical, and epidemiological research on the behavioral, biological, genetic and social factors and psychological processes and mechanisms that underlie mental illness and that has an impact on physical health and the maintenance of emotional well-being.