Age differences in the dynamics of primary incidence of mental disorders in the Russian Federation in 1991–2018

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine age characteristics in the dynamics of primary incidence of mental disorders in the Russian Federation in 1991–2018. 2 periods of distinct dynamics of indicators related to the primary incidence of mental disorders were distinguished on the basis of analysis of statistical reports: from 1991 to 2004, when the indicators grew rapidly, and from 2005 to 2018, when the indicators decreased. Change in the direction of the indicator dynamics coincided with the beginning of restructuring of the psychiatric service of the Russian Federation in 2005 as part of the health care reform. Age differences in the dynamics of indicators in 2004–2018 with a significant decrease in the primary incidence of the main forms of mental disorders among working-age people (20–59 years) and an increase in the rates of psychotic disorders among children 0–17 years old were noted. The authors of the article came to the conclusion that one of the main reasons for these changes was a decrease in the number of referrals due to problems of stigmatization and insufficient availability of psychiatric care.