Study: More Americans suffering from psychological distress

A new study has found that more Americans are suffering from serious psychological distress or SPD.  The study, conducted by researchers from New York University's Langone Medical Center, says 3.4 percent of the population – more than 8.3 million adults – suffer from psychological distress.  The study also pointed to the growing demand for mental health services and the country's inability to meet that demand. "Some of the slack is being picked up by the ...

News 12 Staff

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Apr 18, 2017, 11:54 PM

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Updated 2,803 days ago

Study: More Americans suffering from psychological distress

A new study has found that more Americans are suffering from serious psychological distress or SPD.

The study, conducted by researchers from New York University's Langone Medical Center, says 3.4 percent of the population – more than 8.3 million adults – suffer from psychological distress.

The study also pointed to the growing demand for mental health services and the country's inability to meet that demand.

"Some of the slack is being picked up by the nursing profession, physicians assistants, and social workers. But, in terms of prescribing, there still a huge gap because of a lack of psychiatrists," says Michael Stoltz, of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness.

Emily Sussman, of Bayport, lives with bipolar, anxiety and seasonal affective disorders. She was diagnosed at 20 years old in her junior year of college. Sussman now works as a rehab and recovery practitioner at the Association for Mental Health and Wellness to help those who are fighting a similar battle.

She says it's helpful "to be able to sit down with someone who says, 'I know where you've been and I've been there. I know the way out.'"

Based on the study's findings, researchers estimate millions of Americans are functioning in a state that will lead to a lower quality of life and life expectancy. It also may help to explain an increasing suicide rate.