Policy implications of the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

OBJECTIVES: To describe some of the policy implications of the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

METHODS: A review of the initial findings from the Survey published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the five papers in this issue of the Journal, was done.

RESULTS: Mental disorders are highly prevalent with the prevalence essentially unchanged since Australia's 1997 mental health survey. Mental disorders are often comorbid with each other and with physical disorders. Despite the disability they cause, most people with disorders do not seek treatment. This is largely because they do not perceive a need for treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: National epidemiological surveys are important for service planning. They are especially important in gaining an understanding of the population not accessing services. Innovative strategies, including action on mental health literacy, will be necessary to increase the treatment rates for common mental disorders.