A new report published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest revealed that over 40 percent of people with mental disorders don't receive care or treatment,  and many of those who do start treatment don't complete it.

The study authored by psychological scientist Dr. Patrick W. Corrigan of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Benjamin G. Druss. M.D., of Emory University in Atlanta and Deborah A. Perlick, Ph.D., of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York noted that the major reason why people refuse treatment is the stigma attached to mental disorders.

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Corrigan shared, "The prejudice and discrimination of mental illness is as disabling as the illness itself. It undermines people attaining their personal goals and dissuades them from pursuing effective treatments."

In order to come to the said conclusion, the physicians analyzed available studies and literature on mental illnesses, while identifying the reasons people don't seek treatment.

The said public stigma is prompted by the societal view that people who are mentally ill are dangerous and unpredictable. This belief then results in prejudice against sufferers of mental disabilities.

Wanting to avoid public stigma and negative stereotypes associated with mental illness, many drop out of treatment or even avoid it completely. Being diagnosed with mental conditions may see a shift in the behaviors of even close family and friends towards those who are ill.

The group of researchers also stated that the stigma even permeates to societal institutions, one proof of which is that mental health care is not covered by insurance in as much as physical health care is.

Researchers then gave their recommendations of how to tackle the societal stigma that goes hand in hand with mental illness. Approaches are done at different scopes - from enhancing the patients' support systems to instituting public policies in order to improve systems of care provided to those who are mentally ill.