The study, which was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, "broadly defines mood and anxiety disorders that greatly limit a person's ability to function for at least 30 days a year, including instances of any condition linked to suicidal behaviors or frequent violent acts, as serious mental illness (SMI)." Ronald C. Kessler, Ph.D., of Harvard University, and colleagues, "analyzed 2002 data collected from a nationally representative study of almost 5,000 Americans, aged 18 to 64, to determine earnings lost in the year prior to the survey." The researchers "found that respondents with SMI reported receiving about 40 percent less in earnings than those without serious mental disorders, who earned an average $38,852." By "extrapolating these results to the general population," the investigators "arrived at the $193.2 billion figure."

According to Congressional Quarterly's (5/9, Sowder-Staley) HealthBeat News, "The survey did not evaluate people who were hospitalized, incarcerated, or affected by autism or schizophrenia." Therefore, "researchers warn that actual costs could be higher than the estimate."

Related Links:

- "Mental Illness Costs U.S. Billions in Lost Earnings," KEvin McKeever, Business Week, May 8, 2008.