Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), including psychiatric disorders and stroke, have a significant effect on morbidity and mortality. Beyond loss of life, this broad category of disorders can have an overwhelming effect on the quality of life for the surviving patient and can lead to serious social and economic burdens on society.

Psychiatric and neurological disorders, including unipolar major depression, alcohol abuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), account for 5 of the top ten leading causes of disability worldwide as reported by the 1990 Global Burden of Disease Study. Projections show that psychiatric and neurological conditions could increase their share of the total global burden of disability and mortality from 10.5% in 1990 to 15% in 2020, a larger proportionate increase than even cardiovascular disease. (www.who.int accessed August 12, 2002).

Another CNS disorder, stroke, is a major cause of mortality. Stroke killed 167,366 people in 1999 and accounted for one in every 14.3 deaths in the US. In addition, stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death in the US behind heart disease and cancer (American Heart Association. 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update. Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association, 2001). Stroke is also a major cause of serious, long-term disability in the US. In 1999, more than 1.1 million American adults reported difficulty with functional limitations, activities of daily living, etc. as a result of stroke (MMWR, Vol. 50, No. 7, Feb. 23, 2001, CDC/NCHS). The economic burden of stroke is also significant, as evidenced by the $3.6 billion paid to Medicare beneficiaries discharged from short-stay hospitals for stroke in 1998 (Health Care Financing Review, Statistical Supplement [2000], HCFA).

Recognizing the impact that CNS disorders have on society, The France Foundation has developed educational activities in this important therapeutic area. To view available activities covering CNS disorders, please visit our homepage.

Top of Page>