Background Mental disorders are associated with a considerable burden of disease as well
as being risk factors for other health outcomes. The new Global Burden of Disease (GBD)
Study will make estimates for both the disability and mortality directly associated with mental
disorders, as well as the burden attributable to other health outcomes. Herein we discuss the
process by which health outcomes in which mental disorders are risk factors are selected for
inclusion in the GBD Study. We make suggestions for future research to strengthen the body�…

Abstract The 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study estimates the premature mortality and
disability of all major diseases and injuries. In addition it aims to quantify the risk that
diseases and other factors play in the aetiology of disease and injuries. Mental disorders
and coronary heart disease are both significant public health issues due to their high
prevalence and considerable contribution to global disease burden. For the first time the
Global Burden of Disease Study will aim to assess mental disorders as risk factors for�…