By David W. Freeman, Associated Press, September 6, 2011

Is mental illness more common in Europe than in other parts of the world? Reliable statistics aren't readily available, but mental health experts expressed surprise over new research showing that 38 percent of the European population, or 165 million people, have a mental or neurological disorder.

"Although the figure seems shockingly high, this is the most rigorous study done in Europe," said Graham Thornicroft, a professor of community psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, who was not linked to the study. "The real tragedy is that so few people with mental health problems receive treatment."

Experts estimate that only one-third of people affected by the disorders get help.

Researchers arrived at the eye-popping figure after.....

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Mental Disorders on the Rise in Europe,

By Nicole Gobel, Reuters, September 6, 2011,

...Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety attacks, as well as neurological diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, are affecting 38 percent of Europeans, according to a comprehensive study that calls for better treatments and prevention.

"Mental disorders have become Europe's largest health challenge of the 21st century," the study's authors said.

"The immense treatment gap…for mental disorders has to be closed," said Hans-Ulrich Wittchen, director of the Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at Dresden's Techinal University and lead investigator of the study....