But according to research, better treatment results from a combination of medication and therapy focused on prevention of relapse. Just as with diabetes, effective control includes nutrition, exercise, and stress management. This becomes a deterrent to adequate treatment. Savings from lower coverage of therapy likely result in increased use of medication, which is also costly, and greater frequency of relapse and concomitant physical health problems. Equitable coverage for mental health services is an issue of moral fairness, but it is also a matter of effective use of resources.
Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in the United States.
When workers do not receive effective treatment, the cost of lost productivity is significant. Research findings document increased use of general health services when mental health services are limited. Patients suffer more, but savings in mental health services are offset by increased costs in other areas. We thank you for your attention to this timely issue. A Report of the Surgeon General.