What is the influence of socioeconomic status on mental disorders in developed countries

Abstract

Introduction: a wide range of studies showed that the prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents and adults is very high. For example, the prevalence ranged from 34% to 19% among adolescents. Although many studies have examined the association between socioeconomic status (e.g. poverty, education, etc.) and mental disorders, they provided conflicting findings. For example, some studies stressed that poverty is a risk factor for depression, whereas others negated this effect. There is a lack of systematic reviews examining the association between mental disorders and socioeconomic status. A systematic review is important as it can critically analyze the current findings, which in turn will provide a higher quality of evidence with less bias. Methods: a literature systematic review examining studies published in English in the last ten years was conducted. Studies that examine the association between socioeconomic status and mental disorders. There were no restrictions on age. However, old people were excluded. Although there were no restrictions on mental disorders examined, depression and anxiety were stressed. All forms of socioeconomic indicators were accepted. Results and findings: 91 records were identified through the search. After screening, eight studies were included in the systematic review. The majority of the included studies showed that mental disorders are associated with a lower socioeconomic status, including depression. This systematic review also showed that financial difficulties can predict global mental health, alcohol dependence, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and stress. It was also shown that anxiety and alcohol dependence predicts deterioration in financial strain, thereby highlighting a bi-directional relationship. Conclusion: This systematic review that there is an association between lower socioeconomic status and mental disorders. There is a need for more systematic reviews with a focus on adolescents, young people, or adults. Also, there is a need for systematic reviews with a focus on specific mental disorders such as anxiety, alcohol dependence, etc.