Impact of Medical Debt on Mental Health: Solutions for a Healthier Future

Impact of Medical Debt on Mental Health

Medical debt is a significant issue among adults with depression or anxiety , as revealed in a study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health . The study , based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's National Health Interview Survey , highlighted the increased prevalence of medical debt among individuals with mental disorders compared to those without . Adults with depression or anxiety and medical debt were found to be more likely to delay or forgo Mental health care , emphasizing the impact of financial burden on mental health treatment.

Statistics and Findings

The research showed that a considerable percentage of adults with depression or anxiety and medical debt experienced delays in mental healthcare or did not seek care at all in the previous 12 months . Among those with current depression and medical debt , the numbers were significantly higher compared to individuals without medical debt . Similarly , adults with current anxiety and medical debt also faced challenges in accessing timely mental health care . The study findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry , shedding light on the association between medical debt and mental health disparities.

Challenges Faced by Individuals

The study 's lead author , Kyle Moon , emphasized the existing high prevalence of medical debt in the U.S. and its impact on individuals with depression and anxiety . The research highlighted the financial barriers that prevent individuals from seeking essential mental health treatment , even with insurance coverage . Despite efforts to address the mental health treatment gap , medical debt continues to be a significant obstacle for many individuals , impacting their overall well - being and quality of life.

Recommendations and Future Considerations

The study authors emphasized the need for health systems to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with medical debt and mental health disorders . They suggested expanding services and improving processes for determining patient eligibility for financial assistance . Additionally , the authors called for further studies to evaluate state policies that can protect against medical debt and promote access to mental health care for those in need . By addressing the financial strain associated with medical debt , significant progress can be made in bridging the mental health treatment gap and improving outcomes for individuals with depression and anxiety.