The prevalence rate of mental disorder among Chinese adults is estimated to be 17.5 percent, according to a survey covering 12 percent of the adult population in the country, the China News Service reported Wednesday.

The survey, the third of its kind since 1982, sampled 113 million Chinese above 18 years of age in the provinces of Zhejiang, Shandong, Qinghai and Gansu, covering 96 cities and 267 villages. The survey was conducted by hospitals and institutions in Beijing and these four provinces from 2001 to 2005.

The survey found 6.1 percent of the people polled suffer mood disorders, 5.6 percent have anxiety disorders and 5.9 percent struggle with substance abuse.

More women then men are suffering from mood and anxiety disorders, while men are 38 times more prone to the risks of alcohol abuse disorders, the survey found.

The number of rural residents with major or severe depression disorders or alcohol dependence is higher than that of their urban counterparts.

Mental disorders take a heavy toll on the physical health of the afflicted, but the proportion of patients who seek treatment is low, the report said.

(CRIENGLISH.com April 29, 2010)