National Indicator Catalogue (NIC)

The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from August to December 2007. The survey collected information from approximately 8,800 Australians aged 16-85 years.

The survey provides information on the prevalence of selected lifetime and 12-month mental disorders by three major disorder groups: Anxiety disorders (e.g. Social Phobia), Affective disorders (e.g. Depression) and Substance Use disorders (e.g. Alcohol Harmful Use). It also provides information on the level of impairment, the health services used for mental health problems, physical conditions, social networks and caregiving, as well as demographic and socio-economic characteristics.

Mental health is one of Australia's National Health Priority Areas and funding for this survey was provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Information from the survey will contribute to research in the field of mental health and assist in the formulation of government policies and legislation.