Population-based health surveys include different measures of mental illness. Some include diagnostic tools and others include screening measures. The survey you choose will depend on what you wish to examine in relation to the prevalence or experience of mental illness.
To help you choose, we have compiled a list of the major population-based health surveys that include measures of mental illness. For each survey, you will find: the parent agency and a link; a brief description of the tool; the name of the mental illness diagnostic or screening tool included in the survey; a checklist of whether disability, employment, and physical health measures are included; a link to an example of a publication that used the survey; and access to the site where the data and instructions for retrieval are housed.
To help you choose, we have compiled a list of the major population-based health surveys that include measures of mental illness. For each survey, you will find: the parent agency and a link; a brief description of the tool; the name of the mental illness diagnostic or screening tool included in the survey; a checklist of whether disability, employment, and physical health measures are included; a link to an example of a publication that used the survey; and access to the site where the data and instructions for retrieval are housed.
National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Description
Nationally representative household survey of over 8,000 persons aged 15 to 54 years in the noninstitutionalized civilian population in the 48 contiguous United States conducted from 1990-1992.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the CIDI.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the CIDI.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NCS
The first nationally representative assessment of lifetime and 12-month prevalence of mental illness disorders and correlates.
Kessler, R.C. et al. (1996). Comorbidity of DSM-III-R major depressive disorder in the general population: Results of the National Comorbidity Survey. Br J Psychiatry 30(17), 17-30.
Kessler, R.C. et al. (1996). Comorbidity of DSM-III-R major depressive disorder in the general population: Results of the National Comorbidity Survey. Br J Psychiatry 30(17), 17-30.
Access to the NCS
Public use files are available on the ICPSR web site. Visit the ICPSR web site.
National Comorbidity Survey 2 (NCS-2)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Description
From 2001-02, over 5,000 respondents from the baseline NCS were re-interviewed.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the CIDI.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the CIDI.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NCS-2
As a follow-up to the NCS, provides data on changes over time in prevalence, incidence and correlates of lifetime and 12-month disorders.
Mojtabai, R. et al. (2015). Long-term effects of mental disorders on educational attainment in the National Comorbidity Survey ten-year follow-up. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 50, (10), 1577-1591.
Mojtabai, R. et al. (2015). Long-term effects of mental disorders on educational attainment in the National Comorbidity Survey ten-year follow-up. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 50, (10), 1577-1591.
Access to the NCS-2
Restricted use data. Access can be requested via the ICPSR web site. Visit the ICPSR web site.
National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Description
A new nationally representative community household survey of the prevalence and correlates of mental disorders in a US sample of almost 10,000 adults. Part of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NCS-R
A study to determine the prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates of lifetime and 12-month behavioral health disorders in a multisite cohort of 1027 women living with HIV in the United States.
Cook, J. A., Burke-Miller, J. K., Steigman, P. J., Schwartz, R. M., Hessol, N. A., Milam, J., ... & Cohen, M. H. (2018). Prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates of psychiatric and substance use disorders and associations with HIV risk behaviors in a multisite cohort of women living with HIV. AIDS and Behavior, 22(10), 3141-3154.
Cook, J. A., Burke-Miller, J. K., Steigman, P. J., Schwartz, R. M., Hessol, N. A., Milam, J., ... & Cohen, M. H. (2018). Prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates of psychiatric and substance use disorders and associations with HIV risk behaviors in a multisite cohort of women living with HIV. AIDS and Behavior, 22(10), 3141-3154.
Access to the NCS-R
Public use files are available on the ICPSR web site. Visit the ICPSR web site.
Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)
Funded by the U.S. Census Bureau
Description
The SIPP is a survey of panels of nationally representative households each followed for about 4 years. Panel sample sizes range from ~14,000 to >50,000. SIPP collects extensive data on income, benefit program participation, other aspects of economic well-being, and various topical modules. Varying panel sizes and lengths from 1984-current.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
The SIPP's Functional Limitations/Disability Module identify participants meeting these criteria:
1) one or more reported functional limitations (defined as difficulty with managing everyday activities, remaining employed or finding a job, working at a job or business, and work around the house); 2) due to an “other mental or emotional condition” (i.e., excluding those with mental retardation, learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities unless these co-occurred with mental illness).
1) one or more reported functional limitations (defined as difficulty with managing everyday activities, remaining employed or finding a job, working at a job or business, and work around the house); 2) due to an “other mental or emotional condition” (i.e., excluding those with mental retardation, learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities unless these co-occurred with mental illness).
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the SIPP
A study that identified the prevalence of employment and SSI/DI among people with disabilities.
Vaughan, D.R. (2007). Factors that Facilitated and Inhibited Job-holding among Female AFDC/TANF Recipients in 1996. Working paper prepared for the U.S. Census Bureau.
Vaughan, D.R. (2007). Factors that Facilitated and Inhibited Job-holding among Female AFDC/TANF Recipients in 1996. Working paper prepared for the U.S. Census Bureau.
Access to the SIPP
Public use data available for download. Visit the U.S. Census Bureau web site.
National Survey of American Life (NSAL)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Description
Over 6,000 respondents sampled from 3 target groups: Black Americans of African descent, Black Americans of Caribbean descent, and White Americans, who were aged 18 years and older residing in households located in the coterminous United States.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NSAL
Useful for studies focusing on Black Americans' mental health..
Assari, S. (2015). Ethnic and gender differences in additive effects of socio-economics, psychiatric disorders, and subjective religiosity on sucidial ideation among Blacks. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 6(1), 53.
Assari, S. (2015). Ethnic and gender differences in additive effects of socio-economics, psychiatric disorders, and subjective religiosity on sucidial ideation among Blacks. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 6(1), 53.
Access to the NSAL
Restricted use of data is available to users at ICPSR member institutions. Visit the ICPSR web site.
National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Description
Over 4,000 respondents including Latino American, Asian American, and non-Latino, non-Asian White American adults, who were aged 18 and older residing in households located in the coterminous United States and the State of Hawaii.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NLAAS
Useful for studies focusing on Latino/a and Asian Americans' mental health.
Leong, F.T.L. (2012). Introduction to the special issue on the secondary analysis of the National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS) dataset. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 3(1), 1-2.
Leong, F.T.L. (2012). Introduction to the special issue on the secondary analysis of the National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS) dataset. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 3(1), 1-2.
Access to the NLAAS
Restricted use of data is available to users at ICPSR member institutions. Visit the ICPSR web site.
National Comorbidity Survey Adolescents (NCS-A)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Description
Conducted in conjunction with the NCS-R between 2002 and 2004, and includes data from 10,000 youth, aged 13-18 years.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the WMH-CIDI.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NCS-A
Research on adolescent mental health and services.
Costello, et al. (2014). Services for adolescents with psychiatric disorders: 12-month data from the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent. Psychiatric Services, 65(3), 359-366.
Costello, et al. (2014). Services for adolescents with psychiatric disorders: 12-month data from the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent. Psychiatric Services, 65(3), 359-366.
Access to the NCS-A
Public use files are available on the ICPSR web site. Visit the ICPSR web site.
National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Description
An annual nationwide survey involving interviews with approximately 70,000 randomly selected individuals, aged 12 and older. Not longitudinal, but years can be compared for trends.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
K-6 and WHO-DAS (Predictive algorithm using a subsample clinical diagnostic interview to determine any mental illness and serious mental illness)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the K-6 and WHO-DAS.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the K-6 and WHO-DAS.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NSDUH
The NSDUH is useful for population-based estimates of youth and adult substance use, behavioral health treatment, functioning, and probable mental illness.
Swartz, J. et al. (2007). Serious mental illness and arrest: The generalized mediating effect of substance use. Crime and Delinquency, 53(4), 604.
Swartz, J. et al. (2007). Serious mental illness and arrest: The generalized mediating effect of substance use. Crime and Delinquency, 53(4), 604.
Access to the NSDUH
Public use files are available on the ICPSR web site. Visit the ICPSR web site.
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics
Description
An annual cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of about 100,000 civilian adults conducted by in-person interview on a broad range of health topics.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NHIS
Useful for research on prevalence of or trends in psychological distress or mental health treatment associated with comorbid physical health conditions.
Hewitt, M. et al. (2002). Mental health service use among adult cancer survivors: Analysis of the NHIS. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 20(23), 4581-4590.
Hewitt, M. et al. (2002). Mental health service use among adult cancer survivors: Analysis of the NHIS. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 20(23), 4581-4590.
Access to the NHIS
Public use data and information on requesting restricted data available from the CDC NCHS.
Visit the CDC NCHS web site.
Visit the CDC NCHS web site.
National Health Interview Survey on Disability (NHIS-D)
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics
Description
A two-part survey on disability among 1994 NHIS subsample with a follow-up in 1995.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
A self-reported diagnosis of serious mental illness; self-reported activity limitation
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NHIS-D
Useful for research on self-reported serious mental illness and functional disability.
Baldwin, M.L. et al. (2006). Perceived and measured stigma among workers with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 57, 388-392.
Baldwin, M.L. et al. (2006). Perceived and measured stigma among workers with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 57, 388-392.
Access to the NHIS-D
Public use data available from CDC NCHS-D. Visit the CDC NCHS-D web site.
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Household Component
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Description
The MEPS, which began in 1996, is a set of large-scale surveys of over 13,000 families and over 30,000 individuals based on an NHIS subsample (Household Component), their medical providers (Healthcare Component), and employers across the United States (Insurance Component).
Measure of Mental Illness Used
K-6; PHQ-2; Self-reported diagnoses; Mental health services utilization (Healthcare Component); and ICD-9 diagnoses (Insurance Component)
Visit our Guide to learn more about the K-6 and PHQ-2.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the K-6 and PHQ-2.
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the MEPS
Useful for research on health care costs and utilization annually, or trends over time, associated with probable mental illness or depression.
Zibman, C. (2014). Expenditures for mental health among adults ages 18-64, 2009-2011. MEPS Statistical Brief, 454.
Zibman, C. (2014). Expenditures for mental health among adults ages 18-64, 2009-2011. MEPS Statistical Brief, 454.
Access to the MEPS
Public use data available from AHRQ-MEPS. Visit the AHRQ-MEPS web site.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics
Description
The BRFSS is a telephone survey of over 400,000 adults each year in all 50 states and 3 U.S. territories. It is not longitudinal, but years can be compared for trends.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
HRQOL-MHD; Also varying by state, the PHQ-8, and "Ever diagnosed with anxiety" and "Ever diagnosed with depression."
Visit our Guide to learn more about the HRQOL-MHD and PHQ-8.
Visit our Guide to learn more about the HRQOL-MHD and PHQ-8.
Relevant Content
Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the BRFSS
The BRFSS is useful for studies of perceived mental health in the U.S. and reported anxiety or depression in certain states/years.
Moriarty, D.G. et al. (2003). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Days Measures – Population Tracking of Perceived Physical and Mental Health Over Time. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 37, DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-1-37.
Moriarty, D.G. et al. (2003). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Days Measures – Population Tracking of Perceived Physical and Mental Health Over Time. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 37, DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-1-37.
Access to the BRFSS
Public use files available from the CDC-BRFSS web site. Visit the CDC-BRFSS web site.
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Description
The NHANES assesses the health and nutritional status of an annual sample of about 5,000 adults and children in the United States. The survey is unique in that it combines interviews and physical examinations.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Employment, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the NHANES
The examination and laboratory data collected allow researchers to examine the relationships between probable depression and health variables not available in other national surveys.
Janney, C.A. et al. (2008). Gender, mental health service use and objectively measured physical activity: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003–2004). Mental Health and Physical Activity, 1(1), 9-16.
Janney, C.A. et al. (2008). Gender, mental health service use and objectively measured physical activity: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003–2004). Mental Health and Physical Activity, 1(1), 9-16.
Access to the NHANES
Public use files available from the CDC-NHANES. Visit the CDC-NHANES web site.
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Description
The PRAMS was established in 1987 and is a state-based, cross-sectional survey of women who have recently delivered a live-born infant.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Physical Health
Access to an Article Using the PRAMS
Useful for research on peri-partum depression.
Farr, S.L. et al. (2015). Provider communication on perinatal depression: a population-based study. Arch Womens Ment Health, 19(1), 35-40.
Farr, S.L. et al. (2015). Provider communication on perinatal depression: a population-based study. Arch Womens Ment Health, 19(1), 35-40.
Access to the PRAMS
Researchers may request data for studies that involve multiple States by submitting a proposal to the CDC PRAMS.
Visit the CDC PRAMS web site.
Visit the CDC PRAMS web site.
Health and Retirement Study (HRS)
Funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration and administered by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research
Description
The HRS is a longitudinal panel study of about 20,000 people in a nationally representative sample of adults over age 50. The survey is administered every two years and follows individuals and their spouses from the time of their study entry until death, with new cohorts introduced every 6 years. The HRS survey includes sections on: occupations and employment; health and health care; cognition; living and housing arrangements; and demographics and family relationships.
Measure of Mental Illness Used
Relevant Content
Mental Illness, Disability, Physical Health, Employment
Access to an Article Using the HRS
Examine the long-term effects of depressive symptoms on disability and functioning in later life.
Covinsky et al. (2010). Depressive symptoms in middle age and the development of later-life functional limitations: The long-term effect of depressive symptoms.
Covinsky et al. (2010). Depressive symptoms in middle age and the development of later-life functional limitations: The long-term effect of depressive symptoms.
Access to the HRS
Public use data are made available to qualified researchers via a secure web site. Registration is required of all researchers before downloading files for analyses. In addition, use of identifiable or linked data from other sources, such as Social Security or Medicare records, is strictly controlled under special agreements with specially approved researchers operating in secure computing environments.
Visit the UMich ISR web site.
Visit the UMich ISR web site.