The Frequency of Mental Disorders among Kerman Residents above 15 Years of Age

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Phsychitry, Neurosciences Research Center & Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Phsychiatry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Community Medicine, Physiology Research center & Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Psychiatrist

5 General Practitioner

Abstract

Background & Aims: In developed countries mental disorders are recognized by screening questionnaires
and clinical interviews. Since there is a limited number of epidemiological studies about mental disorders in
Iranian population, the present study was performed to find the prevalence and type of mental disorders
among Kerman residents older than 15 years old.
Method: At the first step, GHQ – 28 was completed door – side for 1527 residents selected through
stratified cluster sampling. The cut off point of 6 was considered as disorder presence. At the second step,
490 ones who had obtained the cut off point participated in DSM – IV clinical interview.
Results: In whole, 32.1% (34.5% female and 27.1% male) were diagnosed as psychiatrically ill. The
frequency of mental disorders was 35.1% among those over 65 years, 35.3% among 45 – 64 years subjects,
100% in divorced, 45.8% in widows, 40.2% in illiterates, 36.9% in students, 34.7% in housewives and
34.8% in low socioeconomic class. Major depressive and panic disorders were the most frequent disorders 
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(6.8% and 4.3% respectively). The frequency of generalized anxiety disorder was 2.8%, schizophrenia was
0.9% and Bipolar disorder was 0.3%.
Conclusion: The frequencies of major depressive and generalized anxiety disorder were higher than other
studies in Iran and similar to some studies from other countries. Different cultures and screening
questionnaires maybe some reasons for these incompatibilities. The results of this study my help mental
health providers to improve their programs.
Keywords: 

Keywords

Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Volume 18, Issue 4
September and October 2011
Pages 291-300

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