Prevalence and functions of mental disability caused by mood disorders in China: A national sample

Mood disorders are common mental illness in China, but little was known about mental disability caused by mood disorders. In this study, we aimed to describe the prevalence rate of mental disability caused by mood disorders, and resulting impairment on physical and social functions.

Data were derived from the 2006 second China National Survey on Disability (CNSD), and identification of mental disability caused by mood disorders were based on consensus manuals.

The prevalence rate of mental disability caused by mood disorders in China was 0.366‰ (95% CI=0.334-0.398). Prevalence rate of mental disability caused by mood disorders was higher among female, elderly people, illiterate population, people currently not married, and people with an annual family income equal or lower than national average. People with mental disability caused by mood disorders were less likely to have severe or extreme difficulty in all 6 aspects of functions.

This study revealed a lower prevalence rate of mental disability caused by mood disorders. The findings indicate that more studies are needed to obtain a precise overview of mood disorders in China, and intervention programs aimed at early identification and treatment for mood disorders should be developed.