18/11/2003

One in four NI people will develop mental health problems

A new study has revealed that around one in four people in Northern Ireland will develop mental health problems in their lifetime.

The research study published today by the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health, was carried out in response to a review by the Department of Health which is currently examining ways to improve mental health services in Northern Ireland.

It showed that between 30% to 40% of all sickness absence is due to some form of mental or emotional disturbance. It also revealed that women in Northern Ireland are one and a half times more likely than men to report having suffered from mental health problems.

In 2000 there were 163 registered deaths from suicide in the province, 130 among men and 33 women.

Alan Ferguson, the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health, said it was imperative that people with problems receive interventions and appropriate treatments earlier.

(MB)

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