Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of depressive and bipolar disorders in Catalonia (Spain) using DSM-5 criteria.

Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of major depression disorders (MDD) and bipolar disorders (BPDs) in a population-based sample in Catalonia (NE Spain).

Methods: Cross sectional study nested in the Regicor Survey. We used a population-based sample of participants 45 years and older (n = 5068). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were used to apply DSM-5 criteria to diagnose MDD and BPDs.

Results: The lifetime prevalence of Single MDD was 4.2% (95% CI = 3.7-4.8), while Recurrent MDD was 24.1% (95% CI = 22.9-25.3). Other depressive disorders were detected in 0.4% (95% CI = 0.2-0.5) of the sample. The lifetime prevalence of a bipolar disorder (BPD) was set to 3.0% (95% CI = 2.5-3.4), with 0.3% (95% CI = 0.2-0.5) BPD Type I, 0.9% (95% CI = 0.6-1.2) BPD type II, and 1.8% (95% CI = 1.4-2.1) other BPD. MDD was more frequent in women, unmarried people, and those with low education. BPD rates were higher in young and unmarried people.

Limitations: Only participants of 45 years and older were included in this study. The length of the depressive episodes was not recorded. Our results may be biased by a reluctance of patients with a mental illness to participate.

Conclusions: This is the first population-based study reporting DSM-5 estimated prevalences of depressive and bipolar disorders in our country. The prevalence of mood disorders is high in our community, with almost 25% of the population presenting with at least one depressive disorder throughout life.