Proportion of patients without mental disorders being treated in mental health services worldwide

BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that many people receiving mental health treatment do not meet criteria for a mental disorder but are rather 'the worried well'.

AIMS: To examine the association of past-year mental health treatment with DSM-IV disorders.

METHOD: The World Health Organization's World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys interviewed community samples of adults in 23 countries (n = 62 305) about DSM-IV disorders and treatment in the past 12 months for problems with emotions, alcohol or drugs.

RESULTS: Roughly half (52%) of people who received treatment met criteria for a past-year DSM-IV disorder, an additional 18% for a lifetime disorder and an additional 13% for other indicators of need (multiple subthreshold disorders, recent stressors or suicidal behaviours). Dose-response associations were found between number of indicators of need and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of treatment in the WMH countries goes to patients with mental disorders or other problems expected to benefit from treatment.