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

•The lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders in our population was 28.7%.•The lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorders in our population was 3.0%.•DSM5 MDD and BPD prevalences are similar to previously published DSM-IVTR prevalences.

BackgroundThis 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).MethodsCross 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.ResultsThe 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.LimitationsOnly 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.ConclusionsThis 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.