Mental illness data in Canada lacking. (Health).

OTTAWA -- "Existing data provide a very limited profile of mental illnesses in Canada", according to A Report on Mental Illness in Canada, released by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. The report, which is the result of a review of existing data was designed to begin the process of creating a picture of mental illnesses in Canada.

Data about mental illness in Canada needs to be bolstered by collecting information that complements available hospital data. To monitor these illness fully priority data needs to be collected in at least 11 priority areas, such as access to and use of primary and specialist health care services and incidence and prevalence of each of the mental illnesses.

Mental illness not only costs individuals, families, the health care system and community but it also exacts an economic cost, which was estimated to be at least $7.3 billion in Canada for 1993 alone.

The report suggests that mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians through illness in a family member, friend or colleague. As well, it notes that the onset of most mental illness occurs during adolescence and young adulthood.

The report, which covers a wide-ranging list of mood disorders from schizophrenia to eating disorders and suicidal behaviour, states that mental illnesses can be treated effectively, and estimates that 20 percent of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

A number of organizations were involved in the report including Statistics Canada, the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University, the University of Calgary, the Calgary Health Region, the Canadian Psychiatric Association, St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Neasa Martin & Associates, Population and Public Health Branch of Health Canada, Ottawa Hospital, St. John New Brunswick branch of Canadian Psychiatric Association and the University of Toronto.