An Approach to Measuring the Cost of Mental Illness
RONALD W. CONLEY PH.D.1,
MARGARET CONWELL ED.M.2, , and
MILDRED B. ARRILL M.A., M.S.W.3
1 Economist, Planning Branch, National Institute of Mental Health
2 Statistician, Program Analysis and Evaluation Section, Division of Mental Health Service Programs, National Institute of Mental Health
3 Chief, Program Analysis and Evaluation Section, Division of Special Mental Health Programs, National Institute of Mental Health
Using a new conceptual framework, the authors present a comprehensive estimate of the cost of mental illness. They identify and quantify components of this cost that add up to almost $20 billion annually. Almost half the cost, they note, is borne by persons other than those whose emotional difficulties actually cause the loss. Because of its relevance for policy decisions in regard to mental health programs, the authors also discuss the relationship between the costs of mental illness and benefit-cost analysis.
