UK And Spain Top League For Common Psychological Disorders In European Study

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Mental Health
Article Date: 05 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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There are significant differences between European countries in the prevalence of common psychological disorders, according to a new study.

The highest prevalence for all disorders is found in the UK and Spain - and the lowest in Slovenia and The Netherlands.

This is the first international study of common mental disorders to include countries that have entered the European Union since 2004. It took place in six European countries in order to develop an index of risk factors predicting the onset of depression in people attending primary care.

The participating general practices included urban and rural settings in each country (UK, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Estonia and The Netherlands). Consecutive attendees aged 18-76 were recruited between July 2003 and September 2004.

All participants were assessed for major depression, 'panic syndrome' and 'other anxiety syndrome'. The researchers also collected demographic information about age, gender, education, employment status, household income, ethnicity, living status and occupation type.

The lowest participation rates in the study were in the UK (44%) and The Netherlands (45%), and the highest in Spain (87%). Women made up two-thirds of participants in each country, giving a total study population of 4865 women and 2344 men.

It was found that in men, the prevalence of current major depression and panic syndrome were highest in the UK. Other anxiety syndrome was most prevalent in Spain.

In women, the prevalence of major depression, lifetime depression and other anxiety syndrome were highest in Spain, whereas panic syndrome was most prevalent in Portugal.

The highest prevalence of depression in men was observed between the ages of 30 and 50, whereas the highest prevalence in women was found between the ages of 18 and 30.

The highest prevalence of anxiety occurred between the ages of 40 and 60 for men. For panic syndrome, the highest prevalence was between the ages of 40 and 50 for men and women.

Demographic factors accounted for the variance between the UK and Spain, but otherwise had little impact on the significance of the differences observed between countries.

However, significant differences in prevalence of common mental disorders between participants in the UK and those in Slovenia, Portugal, The Netherlands and Estonia were more common in men than women, and were little affected by taking into account demographic factors.

Significant differences were found between men with panic syndrome in the UK and in Spain, Slovenia and The Netherlands. Thus, the UK led the six countries, with significantly high prevalence of common mental disorders in both men and women.

Taking account of differences in consultation rates had little impact on the differences found between countries, and the researchers believe that they are observing real differences in the prevalence of common psychological disorders across Europe.

"Prevalence of common mental disorders in general practice attendees across Europe."
King M. et al (2008)
British Journal of Psychiatry, 192, 5, pages 362-367.
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The Royal College of Psychiatrists

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We promote mental health by:

-- Setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care
-- Improving understanding through research and education
-- Leading, representing, training and supporting psychiatrists
-- Working with patients, carers and their organisations

As well as running its membership examination (MRCPsych), and visiting and approving hospitals for training purposes, the College organises scientific and clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. The College publishes books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. It also publishes the British Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Bulletin and Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, all of which are now available on-line.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been in existence in some form since 1841. First as the "Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane" (later changed to the Medico Psychological Association) then, in 1926 receiving its Royal Charter to become the "Royal Medico Psychological Association, and finally, in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter to become the "Royal College of Psychiatrists" we know today.

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