17.5 percent Chinese suffer from mental disorders

BEIJING - Around 17.5 percent of Chinese people suffer from mental disorders, a study has said.

Over 6.1 percent people suffer from mood disorders, 5.6 percent suffer from anxiety disorders and 5.9 percent suffer from substance abuse disorders, the study, jointly conducted by several Chinese hospitals across the country, said.

The study, the third of its kind, was conducted from 2001 to 2005 and covered 12 percent of Chinese adults, aged 18 years and above, China Daily reported Friday.

Women are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety disorders than men, and chances of men suffering from alcohol abuse disorders are 38 times higher than women, the study said.