The Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity OPCS Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity in Great Britain

OPCS Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity in Great BritainPETERMASON and GREGWILKINSON Mass population surveys of psychiatric morbidity in adults are uncommon.For example, over the past 15 years, in the United States, 18571 people were interviewed in the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program (ECA; Regier eta!, 1988), and 8098 were interviewed in the National Comorbidity survey (NCS; Kessler et a!, 1994).Information on the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity, from such studies, can be used to provide a framework for the formulation of effective mental health policy.In Great Britain, the Department of Health has commissioned the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) to provide detailed information on the prevalence of psychiatric problems, and the social disabilities and service use associated with mental illness, among adults (Jenkins & Melzer, 1995).The first publication reports on the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among adults living in private households (OPCS, 1994).The main focus is on neurotic symptoms and disorders, but the prevalence of psychotic disorders, and drug and alcohol dependence is also considered. Survey design