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PhD defence: Nanna Weye

The burden of disease of mental and substance use disorders

2021.08.11 | Graduate School of Health

Date Wed 25 Aug
Time 15:00 17:00
Location Samfundsmedicinsk Auditorium, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C and online

On Wednesday 25 August at 15:00, Nanna Weye defends her PhD dissertation entitled "The burden of disease of mental and substance use disorders in Denmark".

The Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) has revolutionized the measurement of the burden of disease by combining a measure of premature mortality (years of life lost, YLL) and a measure of disability (years lived with disability, YLD). The concept of YLDs played an important role in bringing the burden of mental and substance use disorders (MSDs) to the public attention. Yet there is increasing evidence to suggest an increased risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality in people diagnosed with MSDs. The aim of this PhD project was to describe the burden of mental and substance use disorders in Denmark using nationwide health registers and incorporating information on comorbid conditions.

The PhD project examined the burden of disease of 18 mental and substance use disorders, of which alcohol use disorder was associated with the highest overall burden of disease. Schizophrenia was associated with the highest YLDs and health loss at the individual level after adjustement for comorbid conditions. Futhermore, all mental and substance use disorders were associated with reductions in life expectancy compared to the general population. The methods used and developed in this PhD project are complementary to GBD methods as they present health loss at the individual level. 

The summary is written by the PhD student.   

The defence is public and takes place in Samfundsmedicinsk Auditorium, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C and online via Zoom. Please read the attached press release for more information.

Contact:

PhD student Nanna Weye

Mail: nowe@econ.au.dk

Phone: (+45) 40158634

Read full press release

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