Anti Stigmatization | By July 21, 2006 | By Shaheen E Lakhan, MS, MEd, PhDcloseShaheen E Lakhan, MS, MEd, PhD Name: Shaheen Lakhan
Site: http://slakhan.gnif.org
See All Articles by Author (102)
About: Dr. Lakhan is the Executive Director of the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation (GNIF). He administers a host of projects in bioethics, biotechnology, emergency management, global philanthropy, proteomics, and psychiatry -- to name a few disciplines. | 1 Comment

Unnecessary Mental Health Stigmas

Every year in the United States, approximately 44 million people are diagnosed with a mental disorder. Of those diagnosed, roughly 19 million suffer from depression and 4 million others suffer from some form of generalized anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, not everyone with a mental disorder seeks treatment. Of those who do, nearly 40% do not complete their prescribed treatment.

The most common reason cited for the failure to seek treatment is the stigma associated with mental health. In general, Americans have the inaccurate perception that individuals who suffer from a mental health disorder are dangerous, freaks, loonies, deviants, neurotics or psychotics. Read more →