Epidemiology of DSM-5 psychiatric disorders in Kenyan Youth with Low and High Psychosis Risk

Introduction

There are few psychiatric epidemiology studies among Kenyan youth and fewer among those at high psychosis risk (HR).

Methods

This study assessed the epidemiology of DSM-5 psychiatric disorders in HR and low-risk (LR) individuals to inform research and mental health services. 567 participants (aged 15–25) in HR (n = 246) and LR (n = 260) groups based on Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis (WERCAP) Screen scores. Diagnostic Interview Schedule, version 5 (DIS-5) assessed DSM-5 psychiatric disorder prevalence. Diagnostic comorbidity and demographic relationships were investigated.

Results

A higher prevalence was observed for all DSM-5 disorders in the HR group, significantly for gambling disorder (13% vs. 5.8%), major depressive disorder (9.8% vs. 3.8%), antisocial personality disorder (5.7% vs. 2.3%), general anxiety disorder (4.9% vs. 0.4%), oppositional defiant disorder (3.3% vs. 0.4%), panic disorder (2.8% vs. 0.8%), and anorexia nervosa (2.8% vs. 0%). Gambling disorder was the most prevalent and showed significant gender effects (males>females).

Discussion

Psychiatric disorders occur at increased rates among HR compared to LR. Prevalence rates found are lower than in US studies, except for gambling disorder which was highly prevalent. Large-population-based epidemiology studies in Africa are needed to estimate rates, particularly of disorders such as schizophrenia, accurately.