Prevalence of Mental Disorders and Suicidality in Canadian Provinces

Abstract

Objective: There is limited information to guide health-care service providers and policy makers on the burden of mental disorders and addictions across the Canadian provinces. This study compares interprovincial prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), alcohol use disorder, substance use disorders, and suicidality. Method: Data were extracted from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health ( n = 25,113), a representative sample of Canadians over the age of 15 years across all provinces. Cross tabulations and logistic regression were used to determine the prevalence and odds of the above disorders for each province. Adjustments for provincial sociodemographic factors were performed. Results: The past-year prevalence of all measured mental disorders and suicidality, excluding GAD, demonstrated significant interprovincial differences. Manitoba exhibited the highest prevalence of any mental disorder (13.6%), reflecting high prevalence of MDD and alcohol use disorder compared to the other provinces (7.0% and 3.8%, respectively). Nova Scotia exhibited the highest prevalence of substance use disorders (2.9%). Quebec and Prince Edward Island exhibited the lowest prevalence of any mental disorder (8.5% and 7.7%, respectively). Manitoba also exhibited the highest prevalence of suicidal ideation (5.1%); however, British Columbia and Ontario exhibited the highest prevalence of suicidal planning (1.4% and 1.3%, respectively), and Ontario alone exhibited the highest prevalence of suicide attempts (0.7%). Conclusions: Significant interprovincial differences were found in the past-year prevalence of mental disorders and suicidality in Canada. More research is necessary to explore these differences and how they impact the need for mental health services.

Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health

“…The prevalence of mental health disorders is well documented through epidemiological and survey data. An estimated 26–30% of the United States population is affected by a mental health disorder annually [ 102 ], while recent data using the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey suggests that the overall prevalence of mental health disorders in those over 15 years of age was 9.59% [ 103 ]. The high prevalence of these disorders and the relatively low adherence rates [ 104 ], and limited treatment success with medications for some conditions [ 105 , 106 ], contributes to a substantial economic impact on society [ 107 ].…”

“…The high prevalence of these disorders and the relatively low adherence rates [ 104 ], and limited treatment success with medications for some conditions [ 105 , 106 ], contributes to a substantial economic impact on society [ 107 ]. The two most prevalent mental health disorders are depression and generalized anxiety disorder [ 103 ].…”

“…Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the second most common mental health disorder in Canada, with a reported prevalence of 2.57% [ 103 ], while an estimated 70% of the population has experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime and 33% will experience three or more such events [ 127 ], which could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There has been limited investigation into a possible role of creatine in GAD and PTSD.…”

Sexual orientation as a social determinant of suicidal ideation: A study of the adult life span

“…In order to reduce existing knowledge and practice gaps on the influence of social determinants on suicidal behaviors, inclusion of minority groups and a life span approach is imperative. An understanding of the burden of mental health will aid in the appropriate planning and allocation of mental health services (Palay et al, 2019); knowledge of the impact of membership to disadvantaged groups on suicide behaviors will assist in promoting mental health equity.…”

COVID-19 pandemic inpatient bed allocation planning – A Canada-wide approach

“…However, there is a paucity of information regarding established processes for inpatient units to allocate beds for patients with varying screening COVID-19 statuses [ 4 ]. The number of inpatient mental health beds required is dependent on the number of COVID cases and prevalence of mental illness; a previous study from our group demonstrated substantial variation in prevalence of mental disorders across provinces in Canada [ 5 ].…”