Prevalence and sociodemographic associations of common mental disorders in a nationally representative sample of the general population of Greece

Abstract

BackgroundNo study in Greece has assessed so far the full range of common mental disorders using a representative sample of the population from both mainland and insular regions of the country. The aim of the present paper was to present the results of the first such study.MethodsThe study was carried out between 2009–2010 in a nationally representative sample of 4894 individuals living in private households in Greece. Common mental disorders in the past week were assessed with the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). We also assessed alcohol use disorders (using AUDIT), smoking and cannabis use.Results14% of the population (Male: 11%, Female: 17%) was found to have clinically significant psychiatric morbidity according to the scores on the CIS-R. The prevalence (past seven days) of specific common mental disorders was as follows: Generalized Anxiety Disorder: 4.10% (95% CI: 3.54, 4.65); Depression: 2.90% (2.43, 3.37); Panic Disorder: 1.88% (1.50, 2.26); Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: 1.69% (1.33, 2.05); All Phobias: 2.79% (2.33, 3.26); Mixed anxiety-depression: 2.67% (2.22, 3.12). Harmful alcohol use was reported by 12.69% of the population (11.75, 13.62). Regular smoking was reported by 39.60% of the population (38.22, 40.97) while cannabis use (at least once during the past month) by 2.06% (1.66, 2.46). Clinically significant psychiatric morbidity was positively associated with the following variables: female gender, divorced or widowed family status, low educational status and unemployment. Use of all substances was more common in men compared to women. Common mental disorders were often comorbid, undertreated, and associated with a lower quality of life.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study can help in the better planning and development of mental health services in Greece, especially in a time of mental health budget restrictions.

Factors associated with the probability of common mental disorders in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

“…2 At the same time, women have higher prevalences of CMD when compared to men, in terms of mood, depression, anxiety and somatoform disorders. 11 Consequently, the gestational period is affected by such prevalences, with all the body and lifestyle changes, becoming a stressor for women's experience 7 This had been confirmed in a previous study with 1,180 pregnant women, as it revealed that symptoms of anxiety (76.7%) and depression (78.2%) are more prevalent in young women aged between 17 and 29 years who are married. 12 In particular, regarding depression symptoms, being single was associated with a higher risk of development of depression during the gestational period, 6 corroborating the present study in which women living without a partner were more likely to have CMD.…”

Prevalência de transtorno mental comum na atenção primária

“…(1,2) The chronic and disabling nature of the disease is associated with this figure, which draws the attention to its importance for public health. This situation worsens when the mental disorder is associated with other morbidities, such as increased risk of communicable or non-communicable diseases, and contributes to expected and unexpected injuries.…”

“…(3) And among mental disorders, this study analyzed common mental disorder (CMD), as it represents the most prevalent disorder in the world population. (2,4) The common mental disorder, also called non-psychotic mental disorder, is diagnosed when people are mentally ill and present somatic symptoms such as irritation, fatigue, forgetfulness, concentration decrease, anxiety and depression. (2,5) Global projections for 2030 seek to include these disturbances among the most disabling for human beings.…”

MENTAL SUFFERING AMONG WOMEN: a problematic to be discussed by Nursing / SOFRIMENTO MENTAL ENTRE MULHERES: uma problemática a ser discutida pela Enfermagem / SUFRIMIENTO MENTAL ENTRE MUJERES: una problemática a ser discutida por la enfermería

“…A necessidade de se conhecer e discutir as implicações do sofrimento mental leva em consideração também o fato de que essa problemática deverá figurar, em 2050, entre os agravos mais incapacitantes, sendo que atenção especial deve ser dada as mulheres (3) .…”

“…The need to know and discuss the implications of mental suffering also takes into account the fact that this problem should appear in 2050 among the most disabling diseases, and that special attention should be paid to women (3) .…”