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Comorbidity of DSM–III–R Major Depressive Disorder in the General Population: Results from the US National Comorbidity Survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 August 2018

R. C. Kessler*
Affiliation:
Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
C. B. Nelson
Affiliation:
Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
K. A. McGonagle
Affiliation:
Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
J. Liu
Affiliation:
Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
M. Swartz
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, US
D. G. Blazer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, US
*
Dr R. C. Kessler, Institute for Social Research, Box 1248, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, US

Abstract

General population data are presented on the prevalence and correlates of comorbidity between DSM–III–R major depressive disorder (MDD) and other DSM–III–R disorders. The data come from the US National Comorbidity Survey, a large general population survey of persons aged 15–54 years in the non-institutionalised civilian population. Diagnoses are based on a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The analysis shows that most cases of lifetime MDD are secondary, in the sense that they occur in people with a prior history of another DSM–III–R disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common primary disorders. The time-lagged effects of most primary disorders on the risk of subsequent MDD continue for many years without change in magnitude. Secondary MDD is, in general, more persistent and severe than pure or primary MDD. This has special public health significance because lifetime prevalence of secondary MDD has increased in recent cohorts, while the prevalence of pure and primary depression has remained unchanged.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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