Prevalence and treatment of common mental disorders in the English national population, 1993–2007. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spiers, Nicola; Qassem, Tarik; Bebbington, Paul; McManus, Sally; King, Michael; Jenkins, Rachel; Meltzer, Howard; Brugha, Traolach S.
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 209:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.115.174979
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The National Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys include English cross-sectional household samples surveyed in 1993, 2000 and 2007. Aims: To evaluate frequency of common mental disorders (CMDs), service contact and treatment. Method: Common mental disorders were identified with the Clinical Interview Schedule – Revised (CIS-R). Service contact and treatment were established in structured interviews. Results: There were 8615, 6126 and 5385 participants aged 16–64. Prevalence of CMDs was consistent (1993: 14.3%; 2000: 16.0%; 2007: 16.0%), as was past-year primary care physician contact for psychological problems (1993: 11.3%; 2000: 12.0%; 2007: 11.7%). Antidepressant receipt in people with CMDs more than doubled between 1993 (5.7%) and 2000 (14.5%), with little further increase by 2007 (15.9%). Psychological treatments increased in successive surveys. Many with CMDs received no treatment. Conclusions: Reduction in prevalence did not follow increased treatment uptake, and may require universal public health measures together with individual pharmacological, psychological and computer-based interventions.