Mental Illness Facts and Figures

Twenty percent of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness during their lifetime.

One year prevalence of specific mental illnesses:

• major depression - 4.8%
• bipolar disorder - 1.0%
• schizophrenia - 0.2% to 2.0%,
• anxiety disorders - 4.7% to 12%
• personality disorders - 6.0% to 9.0%
• eating disorders - 0.5%
• substance abuse - 3.1%
• Regular heavy drinking - 18.6%
• Alcohol or illicit drug dependence - 3.1%
• problem Gambling
• Moderate risk for problem gambling - 1.5%
• Problem gambler - 0.5%

Source: "The Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness In Canada 2006"

Hospitalizations for Mental Illnesses

• nearly one-half of all general hospital admissions for one of the seven most common mental illnesses (listed above plus attempted suicide) involve individuals between the ages of 25 and 44 years.
• the second highest hospitalization rates are among young people aged 15 to 24 years.

More information on hospitalization rates can be found in the report: "The Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness In Canada 2006", page 151

Suicide

Suicide, although not a mental illness, is sometimes the consequence for people with mental illness. Some mental disorders such as depression or schizophrenia, place people at higher risk for suicide.

• 2% of all deaths
• 22% of all deaths among those aged 15 - 24 years
• 17% of all deaths among those aged 25 - 44 years

Sources: Deaths - All Cause, 2004, CANSIM Table 102-0551 Table, and Deaths - Suicide: CANSIM Table 102-0551 cited April 15, 2008.