Differences in Prevalence of Mental Health with the Inclusion of Diversity, Gender and Lifespan

Mental health disorders are among the most common, disabling and chronic health conditions. Period and lifetime prevalence of mood disorders have been estimated in 5.4% and 9.6% respectively. For anxiety disorders, pooled period and lifetime prevalence are 6.7% and 12.9%. Depression is estimated to be the second leading cause of global disability burden by 2020, and is twice as common in women. Gender, ethnic and sexual minorities, refugees, people with multiple disadvantages and those with physical and/or learning disability are vulnerable groups at increased risk. Gender differences occur in prevalence rate of common mental disorders. Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are more common in women. Men have greater rates of substance dependence, alcohol abuse and anti-social personality disorders. Around 20% of children and adolescents worldwide have mental disorders and children living in poverty have a five-fold increase in risk of mental illness compared to children from non-disadvantaged backgrounds.