[Economic crisis and mental health. SESPAS report 2014]

Abstract

Studies published before the financial crisis of 2008 suggest that economic difficulties contribute to poorer mental health. The IMPACT study conducted in primary health care centers in Spain found a significant increase in common mental disorders. Between 2006 and 2010, mood disorders increased by 19%, anxiety disorders by 8% and alcohol abuse disorders by 5%. There were also gender differences, with increased alcohol dependence in women during the crisis period. The most important risk factor for this increase was unemployment. In parallel, antidepressant consumption has increased in recent years, although there has not been a significant inrease in the number of suicides. Finally, the study offers some proposals to reduce the impact of the crisis on mental health: increased community services, employment activation measures, and active policies to reduce alcohol consumption and prevent suicidal behavior, particularly among young people.

Keywords: Consumo de psicofármacos; Crisis económica; Desempleo; Economic recession; Mental disorders; Mental health; Salud mental; Suicide; Suicidio; Trastornos mentales; Unemployment; Use of psychotropic drugs.