Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A new study estimates that about half of adults with severe bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in South Dakota are not receiving treatment.
The Argus Leader reports (http://argusne.ws/25BjDmg ) that the study by the nonprofit Treatment Advocacy Center found that of the nearly 21,000 adults diagnosed in the state, more than 10,000 go day-to-day with their illness untreated.
The center works to eliminate barriers preventing timely and effective mental health treatment.
National Alliance on Mental Illness State Director Wendy Giebink says South Dakota has a long way to go before people with mental health illnesses are able to get access to treatment at an equitable rate.
Giebink says the numbers are likely driven by the continuous stigma associated with mental health, and the need for community-based resources and access to affordable care.
___
Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
