Prevalence and Correlates of Major Mental Disorders among Korean Adults：A 2006 National Epidemiologic Survey

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study are to estimate the prevalence of the DSM-IV psychiatric disorders in the Korean population using the Korean version of Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI), and to compare those with previous studies. Methods: The Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area study Replication (KECA-R) was conducted between August 2006 and April 2007. The sampling of the subjects was carried out across 12 catchment areas. A multistage, cluster sampling design was adopted. The target population included all eligible residents aged 18 to 64 years. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the Korean version of Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI) based on the DSM-IV (N=6,510, response rate=81.7%). Results: A total of 6,510 participants completed the interview. The lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates for all types of DSM-IV disorders were 30.0% and 17.3%, respectively. Those of specific disorders were as follows：1) alcohol use disorder, 16.2% and 5.6%；2) nictotine use disorder, 9.0% and 6.0%；3) specific phobia, 3.8% and 3.4%；4) major depressive disorder, 5.6% and 2.5%；and 5) generalized anxiety disorder, 1.6% and 0.8%. Data relating to nicotine and alcohol use disorder revealed a very high male/female ratio. Mood disorder and anxiety disorder were more prevalent among females than males. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was high. In comparison with other studies, remarkable differences in the distribution of psychiatric disorders across the country and times were observed.