Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders has risen in the last decade. It is unclear to what extent this rise is also seen in the first-incidence of these disorders, even though this is relevant for prevention. We provide up-to-date information on the first-incidence of common mental disorders (mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders) and compare this with the first-incidence 12 years ago. METHODS: First-incidence of DSM-5 common mental disorders was examined with a slightly modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) 3.0 in 4,688 respondents (18-75 years; interviewed in 2019-2022 and 2023-2024) from the third Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS-3). The CIDI also assessed DSM-IV diagnoses and, therefore, 12-year changes could be examined by comparing first-incidence rates of DSM-IV mental disorders between NEMESIS-3 (3,687 respondents aged 18-64 years) and NEMESIS-2 (5,303 respondents aged 18-64 years; interviewed in 2007-2009 and 2010-2012). RESULTS: In NEMESIS-3, 11.1% of adults without prior psychopathology experienced a DSM-5 common mental disorder over 3 years. First incidence was similar for any mood disorder (7.1%) and any anxiety disorder (6.9%), but lower for any substance use disorder (3.2%). From 2010-2012 to 2023-2024, the 3-year incidence of any DSM-IV disorder significantly increased from 8.5 to 14.0%. This change remained significant after controlling for differences in sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial rise in first incidence of mental disorders likely contributes to the previously observed rise in their prevalence. This implicates a need for enhanced preventive measures and early intervention initiatives.