ECA study
Also written as: ECA — Epidemiologic Catchment Area
Epidemiologic Catchment Area study, a landmark population-based survey of psychiatric disorders conducted in five US communities in the 1980s.
Full Definition
The Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study was a groundbreaking psychiatric epidemiological investigation conducted by NIMH in five US communities between 1980-1985. Using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), the study provided the first reliable estimates of psychiatric disorder prevalence in representative community samples. The ECA study established many fundamental epidemiological patterns for mental illness, including lifetime and 6-month prevalence rates, comorbidity patterns, and demographic correlates that continue to inform contemporary research.
Usage
Usage note: Often used as historical comparison point for contemporary prevalence estimates.
In Context
- "The ECA study revealed that anxiety disorders were the most prevalent class of mental illness." — epidemiological literature review
- "Comparison with ECA data showed substantial increases in mood disorder prevalence over time." — temporal trend analysis