Mental health treatment disparities among young adults aged 18 to 25 in the United States

Background: Mental health disorders affect persons in all age, racial, ethnic, educational and socioeconomic groups, as well as persons of both genders. Prevalence of mental health problems and receipt of treatment is vital. Serious psychological Distress (SPD) is a non-specific indicator of past year mental health problems. In 2007, 17.9% young adults aged 18-25 reported past year SPD. The rates in past year SPD were 7.8% among Asians, 10.5% among blacks, 11.4% among whites, 10.8% among Hispanics. Among young adults aged 18-25 with SPD in 2007, 44.0% received treatment for a mental health problem in the past year. Among adults with SPD, 39.0% received a prescription medication, 27.2% received outpatient treatment, and 3.9% received inpatient treatment for mental health problem in the past year. The rates of treatment for mental health problems among young adults differed by racial/ethnic groups. Objective: The primary objective of this research is to assess the factors associated with mental health treatment disparities among young adults aged 18-25 between racial/ethnic groups. Data and methods: The data for this research is taken from 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for ages 18-25. Multiple weighted logistic regression models are estimated to assess factors associated with mental health treatment using STATA svy procedure. Results: Logistic regression models provide unadjusted and adjusted results for the relationship between race and mental health treatment controlling for other socio-demographic characteristics. Results show significant mental health treatment disparities among racial groups even after adjusted for the effect of insurance.