Final answer:
Research indicates a strong link between inequality and higher rates of mental illness, with anxiety disorders and addiction closely correlated with income inequality. In the United States, a significant portion of the adult population suffers from various mental disorders which are exacerbated by factors like poverty and lack of access to healthcare. Mental health issues and treatment vary globally, further influenced by social and economic disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that unequal societies record around three times more mental illness than equal ones is generally supported by a substantial body of research that links social status, stress, and mental health. Conditions such as anxiety disorders and addiction, which are prevalent in society, have been shown to have a strong correlation with income inequality and factors such as lack of access to health care and other resources that come with lower social status. In the U.S., anxiety disorders are highly common, affecting about 18% of adults annually and 28% over their lifetime. The impact of mental illness is significant, with roughly 12.5 million Americans (about 1 in 17 people) facing severe disorders that affect their quality of life and daily functioning.
Moreover, poverty plays a role in exacerbating health issues, including mental illness, and is linked to a higher prevalence of crime. It is notable that the poorest and most dangerous countries are typically the most impoverished, and this is often associated with increasing rates of illegal activities and social unrest. In the U.S., the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports over 50 million adults with some form of mental illness or disorder. The situation is further compounded by the fact that mental health treatments and the understanding of disabilities vary greatly across different countries and cultures, often influenced by economic and social conditions.