Estimated Prevalence & Distribution of Selected DSM-5 Mental Disorders & Substance Use Disorder Groups in BC

May 2016 – April 2017

This 12 month study is the first phase of a broader effort to support evidence-based planning for mental health and substance use services in the province. Initiated by the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Health (MoH) with the support of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, the study will provide the MoH the most up to date epidemiological prevalence and distribution estimates of adults in BC for selected mental disorders and substance use disorders. 

The following methods will be applied and cross validated:

• Determination of epidemiological findings based on existing scientific literature
• Analysis and examination of existing survey data
• Analysis and examination of relevant administrative data (derived from existing BC health services)

Future phases of this work will develop evidence-based needs estimates to assist provincial planning and contribute to efforts that aim to strengthen the mental health and substance use system of care in BC.

Research Partners:

BC Ministry of Health 

Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research

BC Centre for Disease Control

Fraser Health 

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

Vancouver Island Health Authority 

Northern Health Authority

Interior Health Authority

Provincial Health Services Authority