Trends in psychological distress in Great Britain, 1991–2019: evidence from three representative surveys

• DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-219660
• Publication Date: 2023-05-15T17:20:59Z
• Authors: Anwen Zhang; Thierry Gagné; David Walsh; Alberto Ciancio; Eugenio Proto; Gerry McCartney
• Keywords: Population Health; Mirroring

Background Previously improving UK mortality trends stalled around 2012, with evidence implicating economic policy as the cause. This paper examines whether in psychological distress across three population surveys show similar trends. Methods We report percentages reporting (4+ 12-item General Health Questionnaire) from Understanding Society (Great Britain, 1991–2019), Scottish Survey (SHeS, 1995–2019) and for England (HSE, 2003–2018) overall, stratified by sex, age area deprivation. Summary inequality indices were calculated segmented regressions fitted to identify breakpoints after 2010. Results Psychological was higher than SHeS or HSE. There slight improvement between 1992 2015 (with prevalence declining 20.6% 18.6%) some fluctuations. After there is of a worsening surveys. Prevalence worsened notably among those aged 16–34 years 2010 (all surveys), 35–64 2015. In contrast, declined 65+ 2008, less clear other The twice high most deprived compared least areas, women, deprivation sex populations overall. Conclusion working-age adults British surveys, mirroring indicates widespread mental health crisis that predates COVID-19 pandemic.