Psychiatric disorders in Mexico: Lifetime prevalence in a nationally representative sample

Abstract

BackgroundNo national data on lifetime prevalence and risk factors for DSM–IV psychiatric disorders are available in Mexico.AimsTo present data on lifetime prevalence and projected lifetime risk, age at onset and demographic correlates of DSM–IV psychiatric disorders assessed in the Mexican National Comorbidity Survey.MethodThe survey was based on a multistage area probability sample of non-institutionalised people aged 18–65 years in urban Mexico. The World Mental Health Survey version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was administered by lay interviewers.ResultsOf those surveyed, 26.1% had experienced at least one psychiatric disorder in their life and 36.4% of Mexicans will eventually experience one of these disorders. Half of the population who present with a psychiatric disorder do so by the age of 21 and younger cohorts are at greater risk for most disorders.ConclusionsOur results suggest an urgent need to re-evaluate the resources allocated for the detection and treatment of psychiatric illnesses in Mexico.