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Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Athens

A community study

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Summary

A one-stage psychiatric survey was conducted of a random sample of the population of two boroughs in Athens, consisting of 489 adults aged 18–74. The PSE-ID-CATEGO system was used to define cases. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the population was 16%. The rate for females (22.6%) was significantly higher than that for males (8.6%). Women in the youngest (18–25) and the oldest (65–74) groups had significantly lower rates than those in the central age range (25–64). Widowed, divorced and separated men had significantly higher rates than single or married men. Working class women had significantly higher rates than their middle class counterparts. Low levels of education were associated with high rates in both sexes. Lack of active employment showed a trend towards higher rates in both sexes. No evidence was found of an association between rates and the presence of young children in the household. The presence of physical illness was associated with psychiatric disorder. First degree relatives of cases were more frequently reported to have psychiatric problems. These results are discussed in the light of previous findings in the literature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Social Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK

    V. G. Mavreas

  2. Dromocaiteion Mental Hospital, Iera Odos, Haidari, Athens, Greece

    A. Beis, A. Mouyias, F. Rigoni & G. C. Lyketsos

Authors
  1. V. G. Mavreas
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  2. A. Beis
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  3. A. Mouyias
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  4. F. Rigoni
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  5. G. C. Lyketsos
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Mavreas, V.G., Beis, A., Mouyias, A. et al. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Athens. Soc Psychiatry 21, 172–181 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00583997

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