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Lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders and delay in treatment following initial onset: evidence from the Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2011

B. P. Bunting ,
S. D. Murphy ,
S. M. O'Neill  and
F. R. Ferry
B. P. Bunting*
Affiliation:
Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK
S. D. Murphy
Affiliation:
Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK
S. M. O'Neill
Affiliation:
Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK
F. R. Ferry
Affiliation:
Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK
*
*Address for correspondence: Professor B. P. Bunting, Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Background

The current study provides the first epidemiological estimates of lifetime mental disorders across NI based on DSM-IV criteria. Risk factors, delays in treatment and the experience of conflict are also examined.

Method

Nationally representative face-to-face household survey of 4340 individuals aged ⩾18 years in NI using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Analyses were implemented using SAS and STATA software.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of any disorder was 39.1% while projected lifetime risk was 48.6%. Individuals who experienced conflict were more likely to have had an anxiety, mood or impulse-control disorder. Treatment delays were substantial for anxiety and substance disorders.

Conclusions

Results from this study show that mental disorders are highly prevalent in Northern Ireland. The elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder in relation to other countries and the association of living ‘in a region of terror’ disorders suggests that civil conflict has had an additional impact on mental health. Given substantial delays in treatment, further research is required to investigate the factors associated with failure and delay in treatment seeking.

Keywords

EpidemiologyNorthern Irelandmental healthtreatment delay
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 42 , Issue 8 , August 2012 , pp. 1727 - 1739
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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