Just over 16% of people in England had a common mental disorder (CMD) at the time of interview.
Just over 16% of people in England had a CMD at the time of
interview, an overall rate which has not changed since 2000.The
proportion of 16 to 64-year-old women with a CMD has increased from
19.1% in 1993 to 21.5% in 2007, while among men the difference in
rate over the same period was not significant.
Reducing the prevalence of the various types of depression and
anxiety which comprise CMDs is a major public health challenge:
CMDs can result in physical impairment and problems with social
functioning, and if left untreated are more likely to lead to
long-term disability and premature mortality.
The proportion of people with more severe psychiatric disorders (eg
psychosis and antisocial and borderline personality disorders)
remained under 1%.
Back to topA third of those with neurotic symptoms assessed as severe enough to require treatment were receiving help.
One-third (32%) of people with neurotic symptoms assessed as
severe enough to require treatment were receiving medication or
counselling for a mental or emotional problem.
Back to topEating disorders are not just an issue for women.
Men made up a quarter of those screening positive for possible
eating disorder, indicating that this is not just an issue for
women. The study found higher rates of disordered eating not only
among people who are underweight, but also among obese people.
Back to topWhile childhood ADHD is more likely in boys than girls, there is no significant difference in screens for adult ADHD between men and women.
While attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been
widely studied in childhood, less is known about its presence in
adulthood. Although childhood ADHD is more likely in boys than
girls, survey measurement using a screening tool designed to
identify adults who may have ADHD characteristics found no
significant difference between men and women.
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