The state of mental health in the European Union. A report for the Health and Consumer Protection

Two EU designed surveys Eurobarometer and ESEMeD provide important information for comparisons for most of the countries. The report has been prepared combining two main kinds of data : routinely collected statistics on deaths from suicide, the use of drugs and alcohol and psychotropic drug consumption; results from general population surveys. That mental health is described in three dimensions. Positive mental health relates to well-being and the ability to cope with adversity. Negative mental health comprises both psychological distress, which refers to the presence of symptoms (mainly depression or anxiety), and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Suicide varies across Europe, ranging from 3 deaths per 100,000 in Greece to 24 deaths per 100,000 in Finland and males have higher suicide rates than females.In general, suicide rates have dropped across Europe in the last 20 years. In all countries a decreased trend is observed for suicide in males with the exception of Ireland and, to a lesser degree, of Spain and Luxembourg. This decreasing trend is stronger for suicides among women. Alcohol, tobacco and drug use all vary between Member States. Alcohol-related problems are responsible for around nine per cent of Europes total burden of disease. Cigarette smoking is also relevant to mental health because nicotine dependence has been defined as an addictive disorder. Use of illicit drugs varies from country to country and different usage patterns are also reflected in national differences in acute drug-related deaths. To be divorced or to live alone is also a risk factor all around the EU, as are unemployment and poverty but the magnitude of these risks varies. (From the author' s abstract)