Prevalence of Substance Use Disorder and Psychiatric Disorders Among Women in the United States
Based on the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, women in the United States are disproportionately affected by mental illness, with approximately 43.8 million U.S. adults having a mental illness, and women being more likely than men to be diagnosed with these conditions. 1
Mental Illness Prevalence Among Women
The prevalence of mental illness among women in the United States is significant:
- Women are more likely to be diagnosed with mental illness than men 1
- Of the estimated 43.8 million U.S. adults (18.5% of all U.S. adults) who had a mental illness in 2013, a disproportionate percentage were women 1
- Mental disorders commonly diagnosed include:
- Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD)
- Mood disorders (major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder)
- Personality disorders (borderline, avoidant, antisocial)
- Schizophrenia 1
Substance Use Disorder Prevalence
Substance use disorders remain a serious problem in the United States, with significant implications for women:
- In 2013, approximately 21.6 million persons aged 12 years or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse (8.2% of the population) 1
- Among adults aged 18 years or older in 2013,3.2% (7.7 million persons) had co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders 1
- More recent data from 2019 shows that 65.8 million U.S. adults reported past-month binge drinking and 35.8 million reported illicit drug use or prescription pain reliever misuse 2
- In 2019,20.4 million adults met diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder during the past year 2
Co-occurring Disorders and Specific Populations
The relationship between mental illness and substance use disorders is complex:
- Women with anxiety and depressive disorders who have comorbid substance use disorders often receive poorer quality of care in inpatient settings 3
- These patients are less likely to:
- Have jointly developed care plans
- Receive medication reviews
- Be referred for psychological therapy
- Have adequate discharge planning 3
Impact and Treatment Challenges
The impact of these disorders on women's health is substantial:
- According to SAMHSA, approximately 44.7 million people need mental health treatment and 20.1 million Americans need substance use treatment, but only 10% to 30% receive it 4
- The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated access to treatment, with many states failing to implement policies to expand access to substance use disorder treatment 5
Clinical Implications
For healthcare providers working with women with mental illness or substance use disorders:
- Recognize that women are at higher risk for mental illness diagnosis compared to men
- Screen for co-occurring disorders, as 3.2% of adults have both substance use and mental health disorders
- Be aware that patients with co-occurring disorders often receive lower quality care and may need additional support
- Consider the complex interplay between substance use and mental illness when developing treatment plans
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Failing to screen for substance use disorders in women presenting with psychiatric symptoms
- Overlooking the impact of gender-specific factors on substance use and mental health
- Not addressing the quality of care disparities that affect women with co-occurring disorders
- Underestimating the prevalence and impact of these conditions on women's overall health and mortality
Understanding the high prevalence of these disorders among women is essential for developing appropriate prevention, treatment, and response strategies that address both substance use and mental health needs.