4312.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 8:30 PM

Abstract #15279

Age-related prevalence of mental disorder diagnoses in the Veterans Health Administration

Avron Spiro, PhD1, Cheryl S. Hankin, PhD2, Austin Lee, PhD1, Donald R. Miller, ScD1, and Lewis E. Kazis, ScD1. (1) Center for Health Quality, Outcomes, & Economic Research (CHQOER), Department of Veterans Affairs & Boston University School of Public Health, 200 Springs Road (152), Bedford, MA 01730, 781-687-2945, aspiro3@bu.edu, (2) Center for Healthcare Evaluation, Department of Veterans Affairs, 3801 Miranda Avenue (152), Palo Alto, CA 94304

PURPOSE: The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health highlights the contribution of mental disorders to the disease burden of society and individuals. The VHA provides mental health services to 550,000 patients who account for 25% of outpatient visits and 20% of inpatient episodes. However, little is known about the prevalence of mental disorders among this population and their variation with age.

METHODS: 'The 1999 Health Survey of Veterans' sampled 1.5 million VHA enrollees and extracted their ICD-9-CM diagnoses for the past 3 years from administrative data. We examined the prevalence of 7 diagnoses, overall and stratified by age (<50, 50-64, 65+).

RESULTS: The prevalence of diagnoses was substantial: dementia 2%; schizophrenia 5%; PTSD 7%; alcohol disorder 9%; depression 10%; anxiety 12%; drug use 16%; any diagnosis 36%. Across age-group, prevalences varied 3 to 5 times, decreasing for all except dementia.

CONCLUSIONS: This age-group variation in prevalence of diagnoses (which may underestimate true prevalence) likely reflects differences in era of service. As the VHA population shifts toward younger veterans, with its higher prevalence of mental disorders, it suggests moving resources in VHA towards mental care.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to list mental disorders prevalent among VHA patients

Keywords: Mental Disorders,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Office of Performance & Quality, Veterans Health Administration
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grants & employment

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA