National Health Interview Survey, 1989: Mental Health Supplement

The basic purpose of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is to obtain information about the amount and distribution of illness, its effects in terms of disability and chronic impairments, and the kinds of health services people receive. The 1989 Mental Health Supplement provides 93 variables from the core Person File (see NATIONAL HEALTH INTERVIEW SURVEY, 1989 [ICPSR 9583]), including sex, age, race, marital status, veteran status, education, income, industry and occupation codes, and limits on activity. The 131 variables unique to this supplement offer information on manic depression, major depression, personality disorder, senility, substance abuse, mental retardation, and other mental disorders. Questions were asked about the effect of the disorder on the respondent's ability to work, attend school, handle routine matters such as managing money, perform everyday household chores, shop, and get around outside the home. In addition, respondents were questioned about difficulties resulting from the disorder such as forming and keeping friendships, maintaining concentration, and coping with daily stress. Questions about the length of time the respondent had the disorder and interaction with health professionals concerning the disorder were also asked.