title: [Psychiatric epidemiological research in Iceland].
abstract: Epidemiological studies of mental disorders in Iceland have a long tradition. The first study was carried out 150 years ago. The results of some of these studies are reviewed to illustrate the uses of epidemiolgy. According to the results of the first study in 1839-1841 mental disorders seemed to be more prevalent in Iceland than in Denmark. The explanation was methodological, it was easier to identify cases in the small population of Iceland. Later studies have shown that the frequency of mental disorders is similar to that in other countries. The frequency of mental disorders have not changed during this century except for alcoholism, which has increased during the last 50-60 years. The prevalence of mental disorders among people aged 5-60 years is about 20%, but increases after the age of 70 years due to organic mental disorders. The incidence of first consultations with psychiatrists has been just under one per cent per year. The disease expectancy until the age of 61 years has been estimated to be 34%, but is probably higher due to increase in alcoholism and the fact that mild anxiety disorders have not been accounted for. The need for service is far from being met. It can be estimated that 40-50 thousand Icelanders suffer from some mental disorder at any time. Psychiatrists see only about eight thousand patients each year. Approximately seven thousand patients receive prescriptions for psychotropic medications, other than hypnotics, each month. Most of these medications are prescribed by general practitioners, which is their main treatment for mental disorders. About 1,600 persons are treated as inpatients each year for alcoholism and other drug abuse. Preventive work could be made more effective by attending to risk groups which have been defined through epidemiological work. It is imperative that the Icelandic Medical Association defends the freedom of research and encourages further epidemiolgical research in all fields of medicine. Such research in Iceland can contribute to the general knowledge about prevention and treatment of medical disorders.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Helgason