Background

The Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) aims to provide objective, evidence-based estimates of disease burden. These estimates, combining measures of morbidity and mortality, can be used by policy-makers and funding-bodies to guide decision-making for  policy and service development.

 

The original GBD study was commissioned by the World Bank to produce disability adjusted life year (DALY) estimates for 1990. The final report, published in two volumes, included 107 diseases and injuries and ten risk factors for eight world regions.

 

The current study commenced in 2007. It will update and build on the original study, producing DALY estimates for 1990 and 2005. The current GBD will include 175 diseases and injuries, and more than 45 risk factors in 21 world regions. The study is funded by the Gates Foundation and overseen by a consortium consisting of researchers from Harvard University, John Hopkins University, Washington University, Seattle, University of Queensland, Australia and the World Health Organisation. The disease-specific research is being driven by approximately 45 Expert Groups around the World.

 

 

Responsibility for mental disorders belongs with the Mental Disorders and Illicit Drug Use Expert Group.  The Mental Disorders and Illicit Drug Use Expert Group members are internationally recognized researchers. The Group is co-chaired by Professor Harvey Whiteford (QCMHR, University of Queensland), and Professor Louisa Degenhardt (NDARC, University of New South Wales). 

 

 

The Expert Group is supported by two research teams, one at QCMHR (mental disorders) and one at NDARC (illicit drug use).  More information regarding the Mental Disorders and Illicit Drug Use Expert Group and progress of the project can be found at www.gbd.unsw.edu.au.

 

 

The Mental Disorders Research Group is based at QCMHR and headed by Prof Harvey Whiteford. The Research Group is responsible for providing evidence-based epidemiological parameters for the mental disorders included in the current GBD.

         Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research