World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview Research Articles

Adult correlates of adverse childhood experiences in Ukraine

BackgroundThe impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult life outcomes is well-documented by a considerable body of research. This study investigates the relationship between ACEs and both physical and mental health outcomes in a nationally representative sample of Ukrainian adults. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze whether ACEs are associated with lifetime physical and mental health outcomes in a nationally representative sample of Ukrainian adults. Participants and Setting In 2002, the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was administered to a national probability sample of Ukrainian adults (n = 4725). MethodsAssociations between ACEs and later life physical and mental health outcomes are examined using logistic regression models. ResultsACEs were significantly correlated with poor later life mental and physical health. Participants with three or more ACEs were most likely to have chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, other disease, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and all disability metrics analyzed. Adjusted odds ratios for these models ranged from 1.80 to 3.81. Additionally, we found a large association between the number of ACES and later negative health outcomes. ConclusionsOur results indicate that in Ukraine, ACEs have a strong negative effect on later life mental and physical health. Further research is needed to explore specific ACEs and examine potential mediators such as social support in the relationship between ACEs and health outcomes.

Coping, stress, and negative childhood experiences: The link to psychopathology, self-harm, and suicidal behavior.

Early life experiences, such as childhood adversities or poor parenting practices, can impact on the ability to cope with stressors across the lifespan. Furthermore, poor coping skills can lead to the development of mental illnesses, self-harm, and suicidal behavior. This study aimed to examine demographic differences in stress levels and to determine if those who had endured negative childhood experiences would be more likely to develop psychological problems and display suicidal behavior when current stress levels were accounted for. The study also explored the link between coping and mental health problems. Finally, it aimed to predict risk and protective factors related to good coping skills. The study utilized data obtained from the Ulster University Student Wellbeing Study, conducted across four university campuses in Northern Ireland in 2015 (n = 716) as part of the World Health Organization World Mental Health (WMH) International College Student Initiative. Mental health problems and early childhood experiences were examined using questions adapted from the WMH Composite International Diagnostic Interview, with self-harm and suicidal behavior measured using the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview (SITBI). Females, non-heterosexuals, and older students experienced more current stress. When current stress levels were high, childhood adversities and parental overcontrol and overindulgence were related to higher rates of mental health problems, self-harm, and suicidal behavior. Poor coping skills were associated with negative mental health outcomes. Social support and good emotion-regulation strategies were related to effective coping, while parental overcontrol and overindulgence, female gender, and younger age were related to poorer coping. The study highlights the importance of developing good coping skills to deal with life stressors, thereby minimizing the risk of psychological problems and suicidal behavior. The findings provide support for initiatives to help parents improve their parenting skills and other programs to help young people cope with stress, and to develop social networks and adaptive emotion-regulation strategies.

Rural birth/upbringing and childhood adversities are associated with psychotic experiences in university students in China

BackgroundUrbanicity has been reported to associate with an increased risk of psychotic experiences (PEs) in developed countries but less is known about the situation in developing countries. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of birth/upbringing place and other environmental factors on PEs in Chinese university students. MethodsA computer-assisted cross-sectional survey was conducted on 4620 second-year undergraduates, using a stratified cluster sampling. Birth places and residential mobility before 16 years old were recorded. PEs were measured using the subscales of psychoticism and paranoid ideation in the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R). Six questions extracted from the childhood section of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) were used to assess childhood trauma. ResultsGeneralized ordered logit model of multiple regression analysis revealed that participants with rural birth/upbringing (e.g. rural upbringing, on graded factor score of psychoticism and paranoid ideation [GFSPPI], 0 versus 1 & 2, odds ratio [OR] 1.409, 95% CI 1.219–1.628, p < 0.00001; 0 & 1 versus 2, OR 1.584, 95% CI 1.179–2.128, p < 0.00001) and those who reported childhood trauma (e.g. on GFSPPI, 0 versus 1 & 2, OR 1.737, 95% CI 1.498–2.014, p < 0.00001; 0 & 1 versus 2, OR 1.618, 95% CI 1.224–2.140, p < 0.00001) were apt to present more severe PEs. While upbringing places and childhood trauma affected both the presence and the severity of PEs, gender affected the presence or absence of PEs only (e.g. females, on GFSPPI, 0 versus 1 & 2, OR 1.887, 95% CI 1.631–2.183, p < 0.00001; 0 & 1 versus 2, OR 0.927, 95% CI 0.702–1.223, p = 0.593). Besides, the number of risk factors was associated with the severity of PEs in the cumulative odds logistic regression analysis (e.g. 3 risk factors versus 0 risk factor, on GFSPPI, OR 4.126, 95% CI 3.075–5.537, p < 0.00001). ConclusionsFemale, rural birth/upbringing and childhood trauma are risk factors of PEs in university students in China. The discrepancy in the findings between developed countries and China has important implications for urbanicity as a risk factor for PEs.

Twelve-month utilization rates and adequacy of treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in Argentina.

Objective:To estimate the 12-month prevalence of mental health services utilization (overall and by type of service sector), the adequacy of treatment provided, and sociodemographic correlates in the Argentinean Study of Mental Health Epidemiology (ASMHE).Methods:The ASMHE is a multistage probability household sample representative of adults in urban areas of Argentina. The World Health Organization World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to evaluate psychiatric diagnosis and service utilization.Results:Among those with a disorder, 27.6% received any treatment in the prior 12 months. Of these, 78.3% received minimally adequate treatment using a broad definition and only 43.6% using a stringent definition. For individuals with a disorder, more services were provided by mental health professionals (17.7%) than by general medical professionals (11.5%) or non-healthcare sectors (2.6%). Younger individuals with low education and income were less likely to receive treatment; those never married and those with an anxiety or mood disorder were more likely to receive treatment. Among those in treatment, treatment was least adequate among younger individuals with low education and low income.Conclusions:Policies to increase access to services for mental health disorders in Argentina are needed, as is training for primary care practitioners in the early detection and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Mental Health, Quality of Life and Medication Use Among Care Home Residents and Community Dwelling Older People

In most countries, the prevalence of depression in care homes is substantially higher than among community-dwelling older people. Negative media reports and the stigma associated with long-term care perpetuates the belief that community care is associated with a better quality of life than nursing or residential home care. The aim of this paper is to investigate mental health, quality of life and medication use among a sample of care home residents and community dwelling older people. This cross-sectional study comprised of structured interviews with 75 care home residents and 852 community dwelling older adults in a large health and social care trust within the U.K. Data were collected using an abridged version of the World Mental Health-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the SF-6D, derived from responses to the SF-12, which was embedded within the screening section of the WMH-CIDI. Results showed a significantly lower level of mental disorders among older people in the care home sample. Health-related quality of life results indicated that although care home participants were significantly more limited in their physical functioning, they reported better mental health and social functioning than older people living in the community. These results were statistically significant. Prescription rates for mental health medication were higher in the care home sample. This study provides tentative findings about mental health and quality of life in care homes, which should be further explored in future research. The study addresses the negative public perception of quality of life in care homes while contributing to the debate around the health care implications of ‘ageing in place’ for older people. There is a need to address the relationship between mental health, quality of life and medication use among older people across a range of care settings.

Distinctive chronic health risks in the context of disaster exposure: Findings from a nationally representative population survey

Introduction Exposure to natural and man-made disasters has the potential to lead to a range of acute adverse impacts on human health and well-being and may also exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. Yet, little is known about the impact of such potentially traumatic events on the risk of chronic physical health conditions. This study therefore sought to examine the full spectrum of chronic physical health risks associated with natural and man-made disaster exposure. Methods Data from a nationally representative, cross-sectional Australian population survey (n = 8841) were analysed through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Key survey measures were based on the chronic conditions module of the World Health Organization World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). Key outcomes examined included a wide spectrum of lifetime chronic physical health conditions, including national health priority conditions (asthma; cancer; stroke; gout/rheumatism/arthritis; diabetes/high blood sugar levels; heart/circulatory conditions) and other health conditions of six or more months in duration (hay fever; sinusitis; emphysema; bronchitis; anaemia; epilepsy; oedema; hernias; kidney problems; migraine; psoriasis; stomach/gastrointestinal ulcer; thyroid/goiter; tuberculosis; back or neck conditions). Multivariate analyses controlled for sociodemographic variables (age, gender, country of birth, marital status, qualification, labour force status, household location, relative socioeconomic disadvantage), exposure to natural and man-made disasters, and exposure to any other type of potentially traumatic event. Results Natural disaster exposure was primarily associated with an increased lifetime risk of stroke (AOR: 2.06, 95% CI [1.54, 2.74] P Conclusion Notwithstanding limits to causal attribution in cross-sectional survey data, the analysis of nationally representative population data provides a consistent method to explore the national spectrum of chronic physical health risks in the context of disaster exposure. Distinctive patterns of chronic health risks associated with varying types of disaster exposure warrant further investigation. Despite the relatively greater chronic health risks associated with man-made disaster, the national burden of chronic health conditions in Australian natural disaster contexts is particularly high.

Twelve-month prevalence and treatment gap for common mental disorders: Findings from a large-scale epidemiological survey in India.

Background:Common mental disorders, such as mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, are significant contributors to disability globally, including India. Available research is, however, limited by methodological issues and heterogeneities.Aim:The present paper focuses on the 12-month prevalence and 12-month treatment for anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders in India.Materials and Methods:As part of the World Health Organization World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative, in India, the study was conducted at eleven sites. However, the current study focuses on the household sample of 24,371 adults (≥18 years) of eight districts of different states, covering rural and urban areas. Respondents were interviewed face-to-face using the WMH Composite International Diagnostic Interview after translation and country-specific adaptations. Diagnoses were generated as per the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, Diagnostic Criteria for Research.Results:Nearly 49.3% of the sample included males. The 12-month prevalence of common mental disorders was 5.52% - anxiety disorders (3.41%), mood disorders (1.44%), and substance use disorders (1.18%). Females had a relatively higher prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders, and lower prevalence of substance use disorders than males. The 12-month treatment for people with common mental disorders was 5.09% (range 1.66%–11.55% for individual disorders). The survey revealed a huge treatment gap of 95%, with only 5 out of 100 individuals with common mental disorders receiving any treatment over the past year.Conclusion:The survey provides valuable data to understand the mental health needs and treatment gaps in the Indian population. Despite the 12-month prevalence study being restricted to selected mental disorders, these estimates are likely to be conservative due to under-reporting or inadequate detection due to cultural factors.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Canada.

The first national survey to assess the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Canada was the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS-MH). The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI), used within the representative sample of the CCHS-MH, provides the best available description of the epidemiology of this condition in Canada. This study uses the CCHS-MH data to describe the epidemiology of GAD. The analysis estimated proportions and odds ratios and used logistic regression modelling. All results entailed appropriate sampling weights and bootstrap variance estimation procedures. The lifetime prevalence of GAD is 8.7% (95% CI, 8.2% to 9.3%), and the 12-month prevalence is 2.6% (95% CI, 2.3% to 2.8%). GAD is significantly associated with being female (OR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1); being middle-aged (age 35-54 years) (OR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.7); being single, widowed, or divorced (OR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.6); being unemployed (OR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.5); having a low household income (<$30000) (OR 3.2; 95% CI, 2.3 to 4.5); and being born in Canada (OR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.8). The prevalence of GAD was slightly higher than international estimates, with similar associated demographic variables. As expected, GAD was highly comorbid with other psychiatric conditions but also with indicators of pain, stress, stigma, and health care utilization. Independent of comorbid conditions, GAD showed a significant degree of impact on both the individual and society. Our results show that GAD is a common mental disorder within Canada, and it deserves significant attention in health care planning and programs.

Severe Physical Intimate Partner Violence and the Mental and Physical Health of U.S. Caribbean Black Women

Intimate partner violence is a threat to women's health. Relative to other racial/ethnic groups, African American and immigrant women are at an increased risk for violence. However, despite the growing presence of Caribbean Black immigrants in this country, few studies have examined the association between severe physical intimate partner violence (SPIPV) and the health of Caribbean Black women currently residing in the United States. This study examined the mental and physical health of U.S. Caribbean Black women with and without a history of SPIPV. We also explored the role of generational status-first, second, or third-in association with the physical and mental health of abused Caribbean Black women. Data from the National Survey of American Life, the largest and the only known representative study on Caribbeans residing in the United States, were analyzed. The World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to determine DSM-IV mental disorders. The presence of physical health conditions was based on respondents' self-reports of physician diagnoses. The findings indicate an association between SPIPV and the mental and physical health status of U.S. Caribbean Black women. Rates of physical conditions and mental health disorders were generally higher among women with a history of SPIPV than those without a history. Generational status also played a role in women's health outcomes. The study has interventions and preventive implications for both detecting and addressing the health needs of U.S. Caribbean Black women who experience severe physical abuse by an intimate partner.

Associations between DSM-IV mental disorders and subsequent COPD diagnosis

ObjectivesCOPD and mental disorder comorbidity is commonly reported, although findings are limited by substantive weaknesses. Moreover, few studies investigate mental disorder as a risk for COPD onset. This research aims to investigate associations between current (12-month) DSM-IV mental disorders and COPD, associations between temporally prior mental disorders and subsequent COPD diagnosis, and cumulative effect of multiple mental disorders. MethodsData were collected using population surveys of 19 countries (n=52,095). COPD diagnosis was assessed by self-report of physician's diagnosis. The World Mental Health-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to retrospectively assess lifetime prevalence and age at onset of 16 DSM-IV disorders. Adjusting for age, gender, smoking, education, and country, survival analysis estimated associations between first onset of mental disorder and subsequent COPD diagnosis. ResultsCOPD and several mental disorders were concurrently associated across the 12-month period (ORs 1.5–3.8). When examining associations between temporally prior disorders and COPD, all but two mental disorders were associated with COPD diagnosis (ORs 1.7–3.5). After comorbidity adjustment, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol abuse were significantly associated with COPD (ORs 1.6–1.8). There was a substantive cumulative risk of COPD diagnosis following multiple mental disorders experienced over the lifetime. ConclusionsMental disorder prevalence is higher in those with COPD than those without COPD. Over time, mental disorders are associated with subsequent diagnosis of COPD; further, the risk is cumulative for multiple diagnoses. Attention should be given to the role of mental disorders in the pathogenesis of COPD using prospective study designs.

Prevalence, Risk, and Correlates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Across Ethnic and Racial Minority Groups in the United States

We assess whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) varies in prevalence, diagnostic criteria endorsement, and type and frequency of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) among a nationally representative US sample of 5071 non-Latino whites, 3264 Latinos, 2178 Asians, 4249 African Americans, and 1476 Afro-Caribbeans. PTSD and other psychiatric disorders were evaluated using the World Mental Health-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) in a national household sample that oversampled ethnic/racial minorities (n=16,238) but was weighted to produce results representative of the general population. Asians have lower prevalence rates of probable lifetime PTSD, whereas African Americans have higher rates as compared with non-Latino whites, even after adjusting for type and number of exposures to traumatic events, and for sociodemographic, clinical, and social support factors. Afro-Caribbeans and Latinos seem to demonstrate similar risk to non-Latino whites, adjusting for these same covariates. Higher rates of probable PTSD exhibited by African Americans and lower rates for Asians, as compared with non-Latino whites, do not appear related to differential symptom endorsement, differences in risk or protective factors, or differences in types and frequencies of PTEs across groups. There appears to be marked differences in conditional risk of probable PTSD across ethnic/racial groups. Questions remain about what explains risk of probable PTSD. Several factors that might account for these differences are discussed, as well as the clinical implications of our findings. Uncertainty of the PTSD diagnostic assessment for Latinos and Asians requires further evaluation.

Morbilidad psiquiátrica en consumidores de cocaína y heroína reclutados en la comunidad

Drug abuse is a serious public health problem. Moreover, co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders are common among drug users. This paper examines psychiatric disorders of young cocaine and heroin users using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). A cohort of 1266 young (18-30 years) current regular cocaine (705) and heroin (561) users were recruited outside the health services in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, Spain. The WMH-CIDI was used to evaluate mental disorders; the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) measured the degree of dependence; and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) assessed social support, in a crosssectional study design. About 43% was diagnosed with a lifetime mental disorder. The most common diagnoses were depression (37.5%) and specific phobia (6.8%). During the last 12 months, prevalence rates were also slightly higher in heroin group (26.4%) than in cocaine cohort (21.7%). Every day cocaine consumption, having unstable living conditions and low social support were variables highly associated with psychiatric morbidity in cocaine cohort. In heroin cohort, earning money through illegal activities was associated with psychiatric morbidity, while the moderate use of alcohol acted as a protective factor for mental pathology. Morbidity was associated to having received psychiatric/psychological treatment during the last 12 months in both cohorts. This study has shown a relatively high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in cocaine and heroin users recruited in non-clinical settings. Future studies examining differences between cocaine and heroin patterns of consumption associated with mental diseases are necessary.

Religious Participation and DSM IV Major Depressive Disorder Among Black Caribbeans in the United States

This study examines the relationship between religious involvement and 12-month and lifetime DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD) within a nationally representative sample of Black Caribbean adults. MDD was assessed using the DSM-IV World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). Religious involvement included measures of religious coping, organizational and nonorganizational involvement, and subjective religiosity. Study findings indicate that religious involvement is associated with 12-month and lifetime prevalence of MDD. Multivariate relationships between religious involvement and MDD indicate lower prevalence of 12-month and lifetime MDD among persons who use religious coping and characterize themselves as being religious (for lifetime prevalence only); persons who frequently listen to religious radio programs report higher lifetime MDD. Lower rates of 12-month and lifetime MDD are noted for persons who attend religious services at least once a week (as compared to both higher and lower levels of attendance), indicating a curvilinear relationship. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research on religion and mental health concerns, conceptual models of the role of religion in mental health (e.g., prevention, resource mobilization) that specify multiple and often divergent pathways and mechanisms of religious effects on health outcomes, and the role of religion among Caribbean Blacks.

Prevalence and correlates of alcohol use disorders in the Singapore Mental Health Survey

To establish the prevalence, correlates, comorbidity and treatment gap of alcohol use disorders in the Singapore resident population. The Singapore Mental Health Study is a cross-sectional epidemiological survey. A nationally representative survey of the resident (citizens and permanent residents) population in Singapore. A total of 6616 Singaporean adults aged 18 years and older. The diagnoses were established using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) diagnostic modules for life-time and 12-month prevalence of selected mental illnesses including alcohol use disorders. The life-time prevalence of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence was 3.1% and 0.5%, while the 12-month prevalence of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence was 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. The life-time and 12-month prevalence of alcohol use disorders was 3.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Those with alcohol use disorder had significantly higher odds of having major depressive disorder [odds ratio (OR) 3.1] and nicotine dependence (OR 4.5). Compared to the rest of the population, those with an alcohol use disorder had significantly higher odds of having gastric ulcers (OR 3.0), respiratory conditions (OR 2.1) and chronic pain (OR 2.1). Only one in five of those with alcohol use disorder had ever sought treatment. The prevalence of alcohol use disorders is relatively low in the Singapore adult population. Comorbidity with mental and physical disorders is significant, emphasizing the need to screen people with alcohol use disorders for these comorbidities.

Prevalence and Impact of Mental and Physical Comorbidity in the Adult Singapore Population

This study aims to assess the prevalence rates of mental disorders and chronic medical conditions in the Singapore resident population, and examine their association and respective impact on the quality of life. A household survey was carried out on a nationally representative sample of the adult (18 years and above) resident population. The main instrument used to establish the diagnosis of mental disorders is the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). The mental disorders included in study were major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Respondents were asked if they had any of the chronic medical conditions from a list of 15 conditions. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the EQ-5D. Of the 6616 respondents, the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders was 12.0%, and that of chronic medical disorders were 42.6% and those with comorbid mental and medical disorders was 6.1%. The prevalence of any physical disorder in this population was high (42.6%). Among those with chronic physical disorders, 14.3% also had a mental disorder, and among those with mental disorders, more than half (50.6%) had a medical disorder. Most of the mental disorders were not treated. Males, Indians, older people, and those who were separated or divorced were more likely to have comorbidity. The health-related quality of life was significant worse in those with both mental and medical disorders compared to those with either mental or medical disorder. Our study re-emphasised the common occurrence of mental and medical disorders and the importance for an integrated care system with the capability to screen and treat both types of disorders. It also identified certain subpopulations which are more likely to have comorbidity for which a more targeted intervention could be planned.

Remission from post-traumatic stress disorder in the general population

Few studies have focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remission in the population, none have modelled remission beyond age 54 years and none have explored in detail the correlates of remission from PTSD. This study examined trauma experience, symptom severity, co-morbidity, service use and time to PTSD remission in a large population sample. Data came from respondents (n=8841) of the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB). A modified version of the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to determine the presence and age of onset of DSM-IV PTSD and other mental and substance use disorders, type, age, and number of lifetime traumas, severity of re-experiencing, avoidance and hypervigilance symptoms and presence and timing of service use. Projected lifetime remission rate was 92% and median time to remission was 14 years. Those who experienced childhood trauma, interpersonal violence, severe symptoms or a secondary anxiety or affective disorder were less likely to remit from PTSD and reported longer median times to remission compared to those with other trauma experiences, less severe symptoms or no co-morbidity. Although most people in the population with PTSD eventually remit, a significant minority report symptoms decades after onset. Those who experience childhood trauma or interpersonal violence should be a high priority for intervention.

Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorder in Lone Fathers and Mothers: Examining the Intersection of Gender and Family Structure on Mental Health

While mothers head the majority of single-parent households, the percentage of father-headed, lone-parent households has increased in recent years. However, current mental health research on single parents focuses almost exclusively on single mothers. In this analysis, we disaggregate the unique and combined effects of gender and family structure on the mental health of fathers and mothers. We used the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being, a nationally representative population health survey. In this survey, 769 and 1964 lone fathers and mothers, respectively, and 5340 and 5505 married or cohabitating fathers and mothers, respectively, with at least 1 child aged 25 years or younger living at home, were identified. We also used the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) to provide diagnoses for various anxiety and mood disorders and a revised version of the WHM-CIDI to identify substance use disorders (SUDs). Lone fathers and lone mothers have higher rates of mood disorders and SUDs than their married counterparts. Comparing lone parents, mothers had higher rates of anxiety disorders (10.7%, compared with 4.9%) and mood or anxiety disorders (19.9%, compared with 11.1%) than fathers but were not significantly different across total disorders when SUD was included. Social support significantly moderated effects for single-parent status and gender. Social support appears to be more of a protective factor for lone fathers than among lone mothers. Similar to lone mothers, lone fathers are at greater risk of psychiatric disorders than their married counterparts, indicating that this disadvantaged family structure has negative consequences for all parents.

Assessing the Prevalence of Trauma Exposure in Epidemiological Surveys

Estimates of the prevalence of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) in population surveys have increased over time. There is limited empirical evidence on the impact of changes in measurement practices on these estimates. The present study examined the effect of increasing the number of events assessed on the prevalence of exposure longitudinally. Data were ultilized from the 1997 and 2007 Australian National Surveys of Mental Health and Wellbeing. The 1997 survey assessed exposure using 11 items from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), version 2.1. The 2007 survey utilized 29 items from the World Mental Health CIDI. Prevalence rates of exposure to matched events among age-matched samples from both surveys were compared to determine whether differences in the estimates obtained were due to respondents having been asked about an increased number of event types in the latter survey. The effect of increasing the number of event types in the CIDI from 11 to 29 was to increase the overall population prevalence of exposure to PTEs by 18%. The difference between estimates was more pronounced in women than in men. The cross-cohort analyses revealed that these differences were not indicative of an increase in trauma exposure over time; but rather the endorsement of new events that were not listed in the earlier survey. The findings underscore the importance of using comprehensive assessments in the measurement of exposure to PTEs. Previous epidemiological surveys may have underestimated the prevalence of traumatic and other stressful life events, particularly among women.

Comparing the rates of mental disorders among different linguistic groups in a representative Canadian population

We aimed to determine whether linguistic group influences reported prevalence rates for a number of common mental disorders. Secondary data analyses of the Canadian Community Health Survey cycle 1.2 (CCHS 1.2) were carried out on representative bilingual French and English, monolingual French and English and other language groups in Canada. Past year prevalence of major depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, social phobia, panic disorder) and alcohol abuse/dependence were ascertained using versions of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) questionnaire. Multivariate data analyses were used to model past year presence of a mental disorder as a function of linguistic group, defined as languages can converse in, and adjusting for socioeconomic, demographic and cultural factors. Overall, past year rates for the presence of a common mental disorder were 10.7% (9.7-11.7%) for the bilingual English; 9.0% (8.1-9.9%) for the bilingual French; 10.2% (9.8-10.6) for the monolingual English; 8.5% (7.7-9.3%) for the monolingual French; and 8.3% (6.1-10.4%) for the other language group. After adjusting for a number of socio-demographic, economic and cultural factors, the multivariate analyses showed that the linguistic groups were equally likely to report the presence of a past year common mental disorder. This was also true for comparisons between the bilingual participants responding in French and English. The differences observed in the reported crude rates for the presence of mental disorders across the different linguistic groups in Canada were explained by socio-demographic, economic, and factors such as immigration, spoke a third language and province of residence, and not explained by language of interview.

The prevalence of family childhood adversities and their association with first onset of DSM-IV disorders in metropolitan China.

The prevalence of family childhood adversities (FCAs) and their joint effects on the first onset of subsequent mental disorders throughout the life course are rarely examined, especially in Asian communities. Face-to-face household interviews of 5201 people aged 18-70 years in Beijing and Shanghai were conducted by a multi-stage household probability sampling method. The first onsets of four broad groups of mental disorders and six categories of FCAs were assessed using The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). Joint effects of FCAs were analyzed by the best fitting of several competitive multivariate models. FCAs were highly prevalent and inter-correlated. Half of them were in a family-dysfunction cluster. The best-fitting model included each of six types of FCA (with family-dysfunction FCAs being the strongest predictors), number of family-dysfunction FCAs, and number of other FCAs. Family-dysfunction FCAs had a significant subadditive association with subsequent disorders. Little specificity was found for the effects of particular FCAs with particular disorders. Predictive effects of FCAs reached the highest in ages 13-24 compared to ages 4-12 and ≥ 25. Estimates of population-attributable risk proportions indicated that all FCAs together explained 38.5% of all first-onset disorders. Chinese children were exposed to a broad spectrum of inter-related FCAs, as found in Western countries. FCAs related to family dysfunction were especially associated with subsequent mental disorders. Biological and/or environmental factors that mediate these long-term effects should be studied in prospective research on broad groups of FCAs.