MENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CONDITIONS

Mental and behavioural conditions in the Australian Health Survey comprise a range of organic and psychological conditions such as dementia, depression, substance use and anxiety disorders.

In 2011-12 there were 3.0 million Australians (13.6%) who reported having a mental and behavioural condition, an increase from 11.2% in 2007-08 and 9.6% in 2001. Mood (affective) problems, which include depression, were most prevalent (2.1 million people or 9.7% of the population) followed by anxiety related problems (850,100 people or 3.8%).

Mental and behavioural conditions continued to be more common amongst women than men (15.1% compared with 12.0% respectively).

Information on psychological distress was also collected from adult respondents in the Australian Health Survey using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). See Psychological distress.

• Also see Tables 1, 2 and 3 in Australian Health Survey: First Results 2011–13
• For information on how mental and behavioural conditions data was collected, see the Australian Health Survey: Users' Guide, 2011-13
• For information on other long-term health conditions, see Long-term health conditions

Previous results for mental and behavioural conditions

National Health Survey 2007–08, 2004–05, 2001, 1995
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2004-05

Other articles on mental and behavioural conditions

Australian Social Trends, March 2009: Mental Health
The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 2008: Health conditions and illness
National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007
Mental Health in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05
Changes in health: A snapshot, 2004-05
Facts at your Fingertips: Health, 2011: Mental Health of Young People, 2007