Final answer:
The high cost of mental disorder in Canada can be attributed to extensive treatment and support needs of those with mental illnesses, systemic inefficiencies leading to avoidable healthcare costs, and economic impacts like higher goods prices due to included health insurance costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cost of mental disorder in Canada is high due to various factors, including the direct and indirect expenses associated with mental illnesses, the high number of people affected by these conditions, and the systemic issues within the healthcare system that can lead to avoidable healthcare costs. Mental illnesses encompass a range of conditions such as schizophrenia, major depression, and anxiety disorders, all of which can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in daily life and require long-term care and support. The financial burden of these illnesses on the healthcare system is further compounded by the cost of charity to support individuals affected by mental health issues, who may be unable to maintain employment. Additionally, high healthcare costs can impact other sectors of the economy, as seen in examples such as vehicle manufacturing costs that include medical insurance expenses passed on to consumers.
Comprehensive mental health treatments and social supports are necessary to alleviate the challenges faced by individuals with mental disorders. These might include costs related to medications, therapy, hospitalization, outpatient services, and lost productivity due to disability or unemployment. Moreover, mental illness often requires ongoing, sometimes lifelong, treatment and support, which can add to the long-term healthcare expenditures. In contrast, other countries with more regulated or socialized healthcare systems may experience lower healthcare costs and more equitable access to services.