Yes, the United States is experiencing a mental health epidemic. Some key findings from recent reports include:
Parents & Adults
More than 1 in 5 adults in the US have a mental illness, and 1 in 25 have a serious mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. In 2021, 22.8% of US adults had a mental illness, with young adults aged 18–25 having the highest prevalence.
Children & Youth
More than 1 in 5 youth (ages 13–18) have had a seriously debilitating mental illness, and 1 in 5 youth had a major depressive episode in the past year. 13% of youth ages 12–17 reported serious thoughts of suicide.
Substance use
9% of youth in the US had a substance use disorder in the past year, and the vast majority of people with a substance use disorder in the US are not receiving treatment.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide.
Some factors that may contribute to mental health issues include:
· Adverse childhood experiences
· Alcohol or drug use
· Biological factors
· Genetic factors
· Brain-based chemical imbalances
· Experiences from having medical conditions
· Feelings of isolation and loneliness
· Identity issues
What can be done about the nation’s Mental Health epidemic?
Some studies show that CBD is useful in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and even problematic cannabis use, as well as in reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, with little to no side effects such as diarrhea, which decreased over time.
Clinical studies are also encouraged by the authors of publications summarizing the achievements of science in the field of CBD use in psychiatry. They point out that studies in larger groups of people are necessary not only to determine the safety and usefulness of the substances in psychiatric treatment, but also to determine the efficacy of the treatment in the context of differences in symptoms of gender disorders, since most clinical trials have been conducted.
Psychiatrists should be aware of CBD use in their patients during their daily practice, as CBD use can be found within people from all walks of life for self-treatment of depression due to depressed mood. Due to public interest, there is a need for further education and research on the efficacy and safety of CBD use for mental disorders.
References:
90% of US adults say the United States is experiencing a mental health crisis, CNN/KFF poll finds
America’s Mental Health Crisis
Therapeutic effects of prolonged cannabidiol treatment on psychological symptoms and cognitive function in regular cannabis users: a pragmatic open-label clinical trial. Solowij N, Broyd SJ, Beale C, Prick JA, Greenwood LM, van Hell H, et al Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. (2018) 3:21–34. doi: 10.1089/can.2017.0043
Cannabidiol (CBD): a potential new alternative for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. Biomolecules. García-Gutiérrez MS, Navarrete F, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Sala F, Manzanares J.. (2020) 10:1575. doi: 10.3390/biom10111575
DISCLAIMER
All products are Federal Farm Bill Compliant and contain less than 0.3% THC. FDA DISCLOSURE: The statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, consult your health physician before use.
Commenti