Among adults with serious mental illnesses, which age group is less likely to receive treatment?

The age group of 18-25 is often less likely to receive treatment among adults with serious mental illnesses due to several factors. Young adults in this age range may experience various barriers to accessing mental health care. They might not recognize their symptoms as indicative of a mental illness, they often lack the necessary knowledge or resources to seek help, or they may have limited access to care due to financial constraints, lack of insurance, or insufficient availability of services tailored to their needs.

Additionally, there can be stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment among younger adults, which might deter them from reaching out for help. Social networks and support systems may also be less developed during this transition period into adulthood, leading to a reduced likelihood of pursuing treatment.

In contrast, older age groups, such as those over 60, may have more structured support systems and a greater awareness of mental health issues, leading to higher rates of treatment engagement. Young adults in the 18-25 age bracket face unique challenges that contribute to their lower rates of treatment engagement compared to older counterparts.