PhRMA report shows record 313 new drugs currently in development to treat mental illness in the USA

A record 313 new medicines to treat patients suffering from mental health disorders are being developed by America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, according to a new report by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). An estimated 300 million people worldwide ' including 60 million Americans ' struggle with mental health problems.

The report was released this week during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - a proclamation by the US House of Representatives in 2008 to bring attention to mental illness among minorities.

Although minorities in the USA have similar rates of most mental illness as whites, minorities are less likely to seek and obtain quality treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Cultural beliefs and a lack of information result in increased stigmas about mental illness, and minorities who seek treatment are more likely to encounter barriers, including a lack of insurance.

Almost a third aimed at dementia