Changes in psychological distress in Australian adults between 1995 and 2011

Objective: To monitor changes in psychological distress in Australia over a 16-year period during which the availability of mental health services was increasing. Method: Data on psychological distress using the 4-NS scale were analysed from national surveys of adults carried out in 1995, 2003-04 and 2011. Results: No change in psychological distress was found. Conclusions: The data show no improvement in adult mental health during a period when the availability of pharmacological, psychological and population interventions increased. Regular population monitoring of mental health is needed in the future in order to identify emerging needs and to evaluate the impact of service improvements and preventive programmes.