National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020–22
The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW) 2020–22 was run with two cohorts and collected information about mental health prevalence in Australia for people aged 16–85 years. The first cohort was surveyed between December 2020 and July 2021. The second cohort was surveyed between December 2021 and October 2022.
The survey uses the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument (CIDI) 3.0, which is a diagnostic tool developed by the World Health Organization for assessing mental disorders. The CIDI asks respondents about symptoms and experiences over their lifetime as well as in the last 12 months and assesses these against diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.
Key content
- Prevalence of mental disorders
- Use of health and social support services
- Suicidality and self-harm
- Aspects of disordered eating
- General health and wellbeing, including psychological distress, social connectedness, and functioning
- Demographic and socio-economic information
- Household and geographic details
As part of the NSMHW 2020–22, there was a 12-month follow-up phone interview survey for participants who agreed to participate. Respondents were asked about mental health service use and associated outcomes.
There is no Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples component for this study.
The ABS previously conducted this survey in 2007. The 2020–22 survey is broadly comparable with the 2007 cycle.
For main findings, see National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022.
For more information on the scope, geography, collection method, reporting guidelines used and history of changes, see National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing methodology, 2020-2022.