Psychiatric epidemiology explores the spatial and temporal distribution of mental disorders in the general population and the varying frequency of their occurrence in relation to demographic, biological, behavioral and environmental factors (descriptive epidemiology). It examines as well the conditions under which mental disorders occur and the course of mental disorders in order to deepen our understanding of the underlying causes, risk factors and other factors that trigger the onset of illness episodes and consequences (analytical epidemiology). Such knowledge is focal to the development of strategies for the prevention of chronic disorders such as dementia and the attendant functional limitations in old age or of strategies designed to at least delay the temporal onset, respectively the progress thereof (compression theory).
Together with biology and the natural sciences, as well as clinical research, epidemiology represents one of the three pillars of medical science. Besides the identification of the risk and causal factors behind disease, the practical importance of psychiatric epidemiology lies above all:
- in the development of methods for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of disease as well as of the pertinent tests of the efficacy and risks of such methods;
- in the evaluation of institutions and systems responsible for providing care to the mentally ill.
Increasing longevity and a stagnating low birth rate have affected all areas of modern life, particularly in terms of the epidemiology of mental and physical disorders and the provision of care for those affected. Alterations in morbidity, as well as the future demand for care-providing institutions, will be determined to a great extent by the changing demographics. For example, given the rise in the number of older, above all very aged individuals, society in the decades to come must reckon with a substantial increase in the number of individuals needing care, a large proportion of whom will be suffering from some type of dementia.
With the establishment of the Research Group Psychiatric Epidemiology and Demographic Change the earlier research focus now accommodates the increasing numbers of mental disorders and functional limitations among the general population due to changing demographics. The main task of the RG is the planning, coordination and implementation of research projects in the area of descriptive and analytical epidemiology:
- studies on the frequency, course, risks and consequences of mental disorders and functional limitations at different levels of care (community; primary health care; outpatient, semi-inpatient, and inpatient facilities);
- health and demographic change (EU-Projekt INTERREG IV: http://hdc-cooperation.eu/);
- development and testing of assessment and screening instruments;
- determinants and effects of multimorbidity and multimedication (pharmacoepidemiology);
- study of the relationship between age and quantitatively important mental health problems such as depression and risky consumption of alcohol;
- analysis of disorder course, and risks of mortality and institutionalization among individuals with dementia in the general population;
- exploration of the life situation and health risks of caregivers;
- development of guidelines for individuals with dementia, and
- evaluation of medical and psychosocial intervention programs and care systems
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