The Australian National Mental Health Survey (1997) assessed the prevalence, comorbidity, disability, and service utilisation of mental and substance use disorders among 10,641 adults. About 23% reported at least one disorder in the past 12 months, with 14% having a current disorder. Comorbidity was linked to disability and service use. Only 35% of those with a mental disorder in the previous year consulted a mental health professional, with most seeing a general practitioner. Half of those with disability or multiple comorbidities did not seek treatment, and over half of those who did not said they did not need it. The high rate of non-consultation among those with disability and comorbidity is a significant public health issue. Australia's universal health insurance system suggests barriers to effective care are patient knowledge and physician competence. The survey used the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to assess disorders, including anxiety, affective, and substance use disorders. About 18.6% of the sample met criteria for any of the 12 ICD-10 disorders in the past year, with 13.2% in the previous month. Screening questions identified additional disorders, such as neurasthenia, personality disorders, and cognitive impairment. The prevalence of any mental disorder in the past year was 22.7%, with 20.3% under DSM-IV. Comorbidity was common, with 21% of respondents meeting criteria for at least one disorder. Those with three or more disorders were more likely to have a current disorder, consult a professional, and be disabled. Disability was measured using the SF-12 and days-out-of-role questions. Affective disorders and neurasthenia were the most disabling, while substance use and personality disorders were the least. Anxiety disorders occupied a middle ground. Health service utilisation showed that 35% of those with a mental disorder consulted a professional, with GPs being the primary source. Only 65% of those with multiple comorbidities consulted a professional, and 44% of those with moderate or severe disability did not. Many did not seek help, believing they did not need treatment. The survey highlights the need for improved mental health service delivery, as many people with comorbid and disabling disorders do not seek treatment. The findings suggest that public education and improved clinical competence are essential. The study also notes that prevalence estimates may be underestimated due to non-response and exclusion criteria. The burden of mental disorders in Australia is significant, accounting for 15% of the total burden of disease. Effective treatments are available, but their implementation in clinical practice is lacking. The survey underscores the importance of addressing comorbidity and disability in mental health care.The Australian National Mental Health Survey (1997) assessed the prevalence, comorbidity, disability, and service utilisation of mental and substance use disorders among 10,641 adults. About 23% reported at least one disorder in the past 12 months, with 14% having a current disorder. Comorbidity was linked to disability and service use. Only 35% of those with a mental disorder in the previous year consulted a mental health professional, with most seeing a general practitioner. Half of those with disability or multiple comorbidities did not seek treatment, and over half of those who did not said they did not need it. The high rate of non-consultation among those with disability and comorbidity is a significant public health issue. Australia's universal health insurance system suggests barriers to effective care are patient knowledge and physician competence. The survey used the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to assess disorders, including anxiety, affective, and substance use disorders. About 18.6% of the sample met criteria for any of the 12 ICD-10 disorders in the past year, with 13.2% in the previous month. Screening questions identified additional disorders, such as neurasthenia, personality disorders, and cognitive impairment. The prevalence of any mental disorder in the past year was 22.7%, with 20.3% under DSM-IV. Comorbidity was common, with 21% of respondents meeting criteria for at least one disorder. Those with three or more disorders were more likely to have a current disorder, consult a professional, and be disabled. Disability was measured using the SF-12 and days-out-of-role questions. Affective disorders and neurasthenia were the most disabling, while substance use and personality disorders were the least. Anxiety disorders occupied a middle ground. Health service utilisation showed that 35% of those with a mental disorder consulted a professional, with GPs being the primary source. Only 65% of those with multiple comorbidities consulted a professional, and 44% of those with moderate or severe disability did not. Many did not seek help, believing they did not need treatment. The survey highlights the need for improved mental health service delivery, as many people with comorbid and disabling disorders do not seek treatment. The findings suggest that public education and improved clinical competence are essential. The study also notes that prevalence estimates may be underestimated due to non-response and exclusion criteria. The burden of mental disorders in Australia is significant, accounting for 15% of the total burden of disease. Effective treatments are available, but their implementation in clinical practice is lacking. The survey underscores the importance of addressing comorbidity and disability in mental health care.