Mental disorders and termination of education in high-income and low- and middle-income countries: epidemiological study

Abstract

BackgroundStudies of the impact of mental disorders on educational attainment are rare in both high-income and low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries.AimsTo examine the association between early-onset mental disorder and subsequent termination of education.MethodSixteen countries taking part in the World Health Organization World Mental Health Survey Initiative were surveyed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (n=41 688). Survival models were used to estimate associations between DSM–IV mental disorders and subsequent non-attainment of educational milestones.ResultsIn high-income countries, prior substance use disorders were associated with non-completion at all stages of education (OR 1.4–15.2). Anxiety disorders (OR=1.3), mood disorders (OR=1.4) and impulse control disorders (OR=2.2) were associated with early termination of secondary education. In LAMI countries, impulse control disorders (OR=1.3) and substance use disorders (OR=1.5) were associated with early termination of secondary education.ConclusionsOnset of mental disorder and subsequent non-completion of education are consistently associated in both high-income and LAMI countries.