Abstract
Purpose
Prior to the current Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress there have been no epidemiological studies which estimate
the prevalence and treatment of mental health disorders across Northern Ireland based on validated diagnostic criteria. This
paper provides the first nationally representative estimates of 12-month DSM-IV anxiety, mood, impulse-control and substance
disorders. Severity, demographic correlates, treatment and treatment adequacy of 12-month disorders are also examined.
the prevalence and treatment of mental health disorders across Northern Ireland based on validated diagnostic criteria. This
paper provides the first nationally representative estimates of 12-month DSM-IV anxiety, mood, impulse-control and substance
disorders. Severity, demographic correlates, treatment and treatment adequacy of 12-month disorders are also examined.
Methods
Data were derived from a nationally representative face-to-face household survey of 4,340 participants (2,441 females and
1,899 males) aged 18 years and older living in Northern Ireland using the World Health Organization Composite International
Diagnostic Interview. Analyses were implemented using the SUDAAN software system.
1,899 males) aged 18 years and older living in Northern Ireland using the World Health Organization Composite International
Diagnostic Interview. Analyses were implemented using the SUDAAN software system.
Results
12-month prevalence estimates were anxiety 14.6 %; mood 9.6 %; impulse control 3.4 %; substance 3.5 %; any disorder 23.1 %.
Of the 12-month cases, 28.8 % were classified as serious; 33.4 % as moderate; and 37.8 % as mild. Females were more likely
to have anxiety and mood disorders (p < 0.05) while males were more likely to have impulse-control and substance disorders. Just 40 % of individuals with any 12-month
DSM-IV disorder received treatment in the previous 12 months. 78.6 % of those with a mental disorder who sought treatment
received minimally adequate treatment.
Of the 12-month cases, 28.8 % were classified as serious; 33.4 % as moderate; and 37.8 % as mild. Females were more likely
to have anxiety and mood disorders (p < 0.05) while males were more likely to have impulse-control and substance disorders. Just 40 % of individuals with any 12-month
DSM-IV disorder received treatment in the previous 12 months. 78.6 % of those with a mental disorder who sought treatment
received minimally adequate treatment.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s00127-012-0518-5
- Authors
- Brendan Bunting, Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Room MB109, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, UK
- Samuel Murphy, Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Room MB109, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, UK
- Siobhan O’Neill, Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Room MB109, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, UK
- Finola Ferry, Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Ulster, Room MB109, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, UK
- Journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
- Online ISSN 1433-9285
- Print ISSN 0933-7954