New research shows that 38 percent of the European population, or 165 million people, have a mental or neurological disorder. Experts estimate that only one-third of people affected by the disorders get help. Researchers reviewed data from previous studies involving more than 500 million people in 27 European countries, plus Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. They considered more than 90 mental and neurological problems, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and other problems that are more common in children as well as those typically found in the elderly, such as dementia. The rate of disorders was similar to a study conducted in 2005. Experts not connected to the study say the findings may seem high because most patients don’t report their illness and because this study includes disorders in children and the elderly. (CBS News, 9/6/11)
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