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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 10/2017

01-10-2017 | Original Paper

Long-term effects of mental disorders on marital outcomes in the National Comorbidity Survey ten-year follow-up

Authors: Ramin Mojtabai, Elizabeth A. Stuart, Irving Hwang, William W. Eaton, Nancy Sampson, Ronald C. Kessler

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 10/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Epidemiological research has consistently shown an association between mental disorders and marital dissolution. However, this research mostly examined the association of divorce as a risk factor for mental illness. This study prospectively examined the associations of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders with future marital dissolution and new marriages in a representative population sample.

Methods

The study used data from the National Comorbidity Survey panel study—a two-wave community epidemiological survey of 5001 participants interviewed in 1990–1992 and re-interviewed in 2001–2003. Mental disorders were ascertained with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, a fully structured instrument. Associations of baseline lifetime disorders and disorders with onset after the baseline with subsequent divorce and marriage/remarriage were examined using discrete-time survival analysis models.

Results

Mental disorders at baseline or with onset after baseline were associated with significantly greater odds of subsequent divorce among respondents who either were married at baseline or got married after baseline. Mental disorders with onset after baseline were associated with smaller odds of marriage or remarriage. Projections assuming causal effects of mental illness on marital outcomes suggest that preventing the effects of common mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders would be associated with 6.7 million fewer divorces and 3.5 million more marriages in the US population over an 11-year period.

Conclusions

Individuals with common mental disorders are at greater risk of marital dissolution and are less likely to enter new marriages. These factors contribute to the diminished social engagement and social support for individuals with these disorders. Interventions aimed at improving marital and family relationships could potentially ameliorate the effect of mental disorders on these vital social ties.
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Metadata
Title
Long-term effects of mental disorders on marital outcomes in the National Comorbidity Survey ten-year follow-up
Authors
Ramin Mojtabai
Elizabeth A. Stuart
Irving Hwang
William W. Eaton
Nancy Sampson
Ronald C. Kessler
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-017-1373-1

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