[Chronic somatic conditions and mental health problems in the general population in Germany. Results of the national telephone health interview survey "German health update (GEDA)" 2010]

Abstract

Objective: To assess the association of chronic somatic diseases and mental health problems in the general population in Germany.

Methods: The data (n = 22 050) derived from the representative cross-sectional telephone survey "Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell (GEDA) 2010". It included self-reported information on diagnosis of 19 chronic physical conditions for at least 18-year-old people. Mental health problems encompass self-reported diagnosis of depression and recent mental distress according to the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5). Age-specific adjusted logistic regressions were calculated.

Results: There was an association of chronic physical illness and mental health problems in all age groups. In 18 - 44 and 45 - 64-year-olds the association got stronger with each additional chronic disease. In all age groups mental health problems were most common in multimorbid subjects.

Conclusion: Comorbid mental health problems should be accounted for particularly in multimorbid subjects of all ages. In younger patients mental health problems should be considered even if only one chronic disease is present.