The economic and social costs of mental health problems in 2009/10

Author:
CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Publisher:
Centre for Mental Health
Publication year:
2010
Pagination:
4p.
Place of publication:
London

A policy paper published in 2003 estimated that the economic and social costs of mental health problems in England in the financial year 2002/03 amounted to £77.4 billion. Using the same methodology, a straightforward updating of this figure suggests that the aggregate cost of mental health problems in England increased to £105.2 billion in 2009/10. This updated analysis shows that mental ill health should continue to be a priority issue for public policy. The cost of mental ill health continues to fall mainly upon those who experience it and their families but it also creates a high cost for taxpayers and for business. This report suggests that effective responses to people with mental health difficulties are value for public money. Providing good quality parenting support to people with young children, extending access to psychological therapy, early identification of distress at work, diverting offenders with mental health difficulties from custody and assisting people with severe mental health problems into paid work all make a difference to people’s lives and create both immediate and long-term savings to public finances.

Subject terms:
mental health care, mental health problems, public health, costs, early intervention;
Location(s):
England
Link:
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