Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in rural South Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and use of medical services in a South Australian rural community.


METHODS
Survey based on structured self-administered questionnaires.


METHODS
Riverland region of South Australia, between May and November, 1991.


METHODS
A probability sample of 1009 residents (71.1%) response stratified for age and sex (with replacement) aged 18 years and over from the State electoral roll.


METHODS
DSM-III-R-defined psychiatric disorders diagnosed by means of the University of Washington's Diagnostic Interview Schedule Screening Instrument (DISSI), physical disorders and use of health and allied services.


RESULTS
Twenty-six percent had at least one psychiatric disorder in the six months before interview. Prevalence did not differ with sex or age, but was higher in the unemployed (P=0.0001). Those with a current psychiatric disorder were significantly more likely to report a lifetime physical disorder (p=0.0001). The most common disorders were major depression and dysthymia (10.8%), anxiety disorder (9.8%), phobic disorder (7.8%), alcohol abuse and dependence (7.0% and somatisation syndrome (5.3 During the year before interview, 88.5% of those diagnosed with a current psychiatric disorder had consulted a general practitioner and 4.2% a psychiatrist or psychologist.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the Riverland region was comparatively high. General practitioners were the primary care-providers for those with psychiatric disorders. These issues need to be addressed by service providers and health planners.
Clayer
J R
JR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, SA.
McFarlane
A C
AC
Bookless
C L
CL
Air
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T
Wright
G
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Czechowicz
A S
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D015995:Prevalence; D011336:Probability; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012423:Rural Health; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014478:Unemployment