Mental disorders in Canada, 2022
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Description: Mental disorders in Canada, 2022
According to data from 2022, over 5 million Canadians (18%) aged 15 and older met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder in the previous 12 months.
The prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in Canada increased from 2012 to 2022.
| 12-month prevalence of selected mental disorders | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2022 | ||
| Mood disorders | Major depressive episode | 4.7% | 7.6% |
| Bipolar disorder | 1.5% | 2.1% | |
| Anxiety disorders | Generalized anxiety disorder | 2.6% | 5.2% |
| Social phobia | 3.0% | 7.1% | |
| Note: The comparison on the prevalence of social phobia was based on data from 2002 and 2022. | |||
The prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders was highest among young women.
| 12-month prevalence of selected mental disorders, 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| WomenTable 2 Note 1 aged 15 to 24 years | Total | |
| Social phobia | 24.7% | 7.1% |
| Major depressive episode | 18.4% | 7.6% |
| Generalized anxiety disorder | 11.9% | 5.2% |
| Bipolar disorder | 8.1% | 2.1% |
Despite recent rises in substance-related deaths, the prevalence of substance use disorders did not increase from 2012 to 2022.
| 12-month prevalence | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2022 | |
| Alcohol use disorder | 3.2% | 2.2% |
| Cannabis use disorder | 1.3% | 1.4% |
| Other substance use disorder | 0.7% | 0.5% |
More than 1 in 3 (36.6%) of those with a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder reported unmet or partially met health and mental health care needs.
| Percentage with partially or fully unmet needs, by type of need, 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Medication | 7.0% |
| Information | 17.7% |
| Counselling | 30.5% |
| All types | 36.6% |
Source: Stephenson, E., 2023, “Mental disorders and access to mental health care,” Insights on Canadian Society, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 75-006-X.
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