What is the reported prevalence of mental illness among Australians aged 16–85?

What is the reported prevalence of mental illness among Australians aged 16–85?

• A. 2 million Australians.
• B. 8.5 million Australians.
• C. 12 million Australians.
• D. 5 million Australians.

Answer: (B)

Understanding prevalence helps you see the total number of people in a population who have had a mental health condition, not just those newly affected. For Australians aged 16–85, the commonly cited figure of 8.5 million reflects lifetime prevalence—roughly half of people in this age range have experienced some mental health condition at some point in their lives. This broad measure includes common disorders such as anxiety and depression and captures the overall burden in the community. The other numbers don’t align with this established prevalence in the target age group, which is why 8.5 million is the best fit here.

Understanding prevalence helps you see the total number of people in a population who have had a mental health condition, not just those newly affected. For Australians aged 16–85, the commonly cited figure of 8.5 million reflects lifetime prevalence—roughly half of people in this age range have experienced some mental health condition at some point in their lives. This broad measure includes common disorders such as anxiety and depression and captures the overall burden in the community.

The other numbers don’t align with this established prevalence in the target age group, which is why 8.5 million is the best fit here.