Income inequality and the prevalence of common mental disorders in Britain

Abstract

BackgroundIt has been hypothesised that the association between greater income inequality and increased mortality is mediated by poor psychosocial health.AimsTo test the hypothesis that individuals in regions of Britain with the highest income inequality have a higher prevalence of the common mental disorders, after adjusting for individual income.MethodCross-sectional survey of 8191 adults aged 16–75 in private households in England, Wales and Scotland. The prevalence of common mental disorders was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire.ResultsThe association between income inequality and prevalence of the common mental disorders varied with individual income level. Among persons with the highest incomes, common mental disorders were more frequent in regions with greater income inequality (as indicated by high Gini coefficient) (adjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.05–1.65; P=0.02). The opposite was true for those with the lowest incomes.ConclusionsIncome inequality was associated with worse mental health among the most affluent individuals.