Mortality rate of mental disorder trends in China from 2002 to 2020

BACKGROUND: The number of people with mental disorders is increasing in China, but there are few studies on the temporal trends and population distribution of mental disorder mortality. METHODS: The mortality of mental disorders were derived from the China Health Statistics Yearbook published by the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Temporal trends in mortality were examined with a joinpoint regression using annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). A Poisson regression model was utilized to test the population-level risk factors associated with the death of people with mental disorders. RESULTS: The mortality of mental disorders in rural Chinese residents showed a decreasing trend from 2002 to 2020 [AAPC –2.06%, 95% confidence interval (CI) –3.16 to –0.91%]. The mortality of mental disorders in urban Chinese residents declined between 2005 and 2011 (APC –13.01%, 95% CI –21.08 to –4.13%). The mortality rate of mental disorders has decreased for urban males with an APC of –2.71% (95% CI –4.52 to –0.71) from 2002 to 2020. Urban women showed an increase in mental disorder mortality from 2002 to 2005 and from 2012 to 2020 with APCs of 19.65% (95% CI 0.64–42.32%) and 6.16% (95% CI 2.22–10.33%), respectively. Age was a significant risk factor for mental disorder mortality (odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.23–1.32). CONCLUSION: The dissemination of medical and health information, investment in medical and health resources, and the modification and optimization of regulations have led to a decrease in mental disorder mortality in China. It is vital to devote greater attention to elderly individuals suffering from mental disorders.