Limitations

Where data are reported, confidence intervals can be wide, meaning that the true rate may be far from the point estimate listed. In some cases, multiracial adults and youth had higher prevalence estimates compared to other racial and ethnic groups; however, data limitations such as small sample size or large margin of error require cautious interpretation of the results.

Caution should also be taken when interpreting data on specific health and behavior measures. Of note, many are self-reported measures that rely on an individual’s perception of health and behaviors. Additionally, some health outcome measures indicate whether a respondent has been told by a health care professional that they have a disease — excluding those who may not have received a diagnosis or not have sought or obtained treatment. Social, cultural, geographical and other factors may affect the access, awareness and utilization of mental health services and treatment.