One year prevalence of mental disorders comorbidity and associated socio-demographic risk factors in the general population of Spain

Abstract

Introduction. Comorbidity among mental disorders in the general population is common, affecting more than the 50% of individuals with a lifetime mental disorder. In Spain, there are no data describing it or its associated risk factors.

Method. The ESEMeD-Spain study is an epidemiological study assessing mental disorders in a sample of 5,473 individuals from the general population of Spain aged 18 years or older. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the frequency of mental disorders comorbidity in Spain (assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview: CIDI 3.0) and associated sociodemographic risk factors. Response rate was 78.6%.

Results. Mood disorders showed the highest comorbidity frequency. Analysing specific disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, dysthymic and panic disorders showed the highest comorbidity percentages. Female gender, ages above 24 years old and being previously married were found to be risk factors associated to the presence of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders.

Conclusions. As it has been suggested for other European countries and for the United States, in the general population of Spain mental disorders, specially mood disorders, are frequently comorbid. When treating mental disorders, comorbidity should be taken into account.