Social Inequalities and the Distribution of the Common Mental Disorders: A Report to the Department of Health Policy Research Programme (Maudsley Monographs)

Social inequalities are established features of the distribution of physical disease in the UK and many other developed countries. In most physical diseases, a clear trend of poorer health is evident with each step down the hierarchy of social position. By contrast, the nature of the links between social position and mental illness in the general population has appeared less clear. This lack of clarity is problematic, as mental disorders are major causes of disability, especially in adults of working age. __Social Inequalities and the Distribution of the Common Mental Disorders__ presents in-depth and up-to-date research, looking at the links between social position, ethnicity and mental health. Its findings will have implications for mental health professionals and policy makers David Melzer, Tom Fryers And Rachel Jenkins -- Report 1. A Systematic Literature Review / Tom Fryers, David Melzer, Brenda Mcwilliams And Rachel Jenkins -- Report 2. Quantifying Associations Between Social Position And The Common Mental Disorders In Britain / David Melzer, Tom Fryers, Brenda Mcwilliams And Rachel Jenkins -- Report 3. Ethnicity And The Common Mental Disorders / Ajit Shah. Social Inequalities Are Established Features Of The Distribution Of Physical Disease In The Uk And Many Other Developed Countries. In Most Physical Diseases, A Clear Trend Of Poorer Health Is Evident With Each Step Down The Hierarchy Of Social Position. By Contrast, The Nature Of The Links Between Social Position And Mental Illness In The General Population Has Appeared Less Clear. This Lack Of Clarity Is Problematic, As Mental Disorders Are Major Causes Of Disability, Especially In Adults Of Working Age. Social Inequalities And The Distribution Of The Common Mental Disorders Presents In-depth And Up-to-date Research, Looking At The Links Between Social Position, Ethnicity And Mental Health. Literature On Large-scale Population Studies Is Considered, And The First British National Household Survey Of Psychiatric Disorder Is Further Examined. The Findings And Recommendations For Targeting Resources Will Have Implications For Mental Health Professionals And Policy Makers.--jacket. Edited By David Melzer, Tom Fryers, Rachel Jenkins. October 2002. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.