Magnitude and impact of comorbidity of mental disorders from epidemiologic surveys.
OBJECTIVE
To consider comorbidity across multiple classes of disorders in data derived from recent large-scale community surveys.


RESULTS
There has been substantial recent progress in our understanding of patterns and implications of comorbidity of mental disorders. There is now converging evidence on the magnitude and specific patterns of comorbidity in international studies worldwide. There is increasing recognition of comorbidity of mental and physical disorders. Comorbidity of mental disorders and substance abuse has now been recognized universally, and the results of treatment and prevention studies incorporating comorbidity are now beginning to emerge.


CONCLUSIONS
Comorbidity has been shown to be an index of more severe course and outcome of mental disorders. Systematic inclusion of comorbidity into clinical evaluation and treatment will enhance the effectiveness of intervention with these conditions. Prevention of the development of secondary conditions as a consequence of primary disorders should reduce the impact of these conditions on both the individual and society.
Merikangas
Kathleen R
KR
National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. kathleen.merikangas@nih.gov
Kalaydjian
Amanda
A
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires