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

ObjectivesZZThe 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. MethodsZZThe 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%). ResultsZZA 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. ConclusionZZThe 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.