Worldwide prevalence of mental disorders is high but treatment needs are not always met

Abstract

SummaryQuestionWhat is the global prevalence and severity of mental disorders and is the need for treatment being met?Study designPrevalence survey.Main ResultsSurveys were conducted in the years 2001-2003. The prevalence of mental disorders in the year prior to the survey date ranged from 4.3% in Shanghai to 26.3% in the United States (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.1% to 16.9%; see Results table). Mild disorders were the most prevalent (prevalence range: 33.1% to 80.9%, IQR 40.2% to 53.3%). The prevalence of severe mental disorders (such as bipolar 1 disorder), ranged from 0.4% to 7.7% (IQR: 1.1% to 3.7%). In most countries surveyed, the likelihood of receiving treatment increased with disorder severity. However, 35.5% to 50.3% of serious disorders in developed countries and 76.3% to 85.4% in less developed countries received no treatment in the year preceding the survey interview.Authors’ conclusionsMental disorders are highly prevalent in the 14 countries surveyed. Mild mental disorders are the most prevalent worldwide and are most frequently treated. A large proportion of severe mental disorders go untreated in both developed and undeveloped countries.